Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight veteran, Nate Diaz, brought Cannabidiol (CBD) to the forefront of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition by vaping during his post-fight press conference for UFC 202 back in summer 2016.
A decision that let him “bank out” in a big way.
It was a bold move that caught the eye of both Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), as well as United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), but Diaz had already passed his mandatory drug tests and was let off with a warning.
And in the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it wasn’t a fight worth having.
Fast forward roughly two years later and CBD — recently removed from the list of prohibited substances — is a widely-used treatment for fighters battling pain and inflammation. That includes former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson, who was able to extend his combat sports career as a result.
“It’s been very important,” Jackson told MMA Fighting. “I think we all learned about CBD from Nate Diaz, he’s the first one I learned about CBD from. I’m glad he stood up for us and made it legal for MMA fighters. Thank you Nate, I appreciate that, much love. It’s incredible. It’s been helping me out a lot.”
Jackson, who turned 40 back in June, will renew his rivalry with Wanderlei Silva under the Bellator banner this Saturday night (Sept. 29) in San Jose, Calif., a heavyweight battle that marks his fourth dance with “The Axe Murderer.”
No question “Rampage” will be needing his CBD pen/oil after another go-round with the Brazilian, as both fighters have little interest in the ground game and simply want to knock each other’s heads into the fourth row.
For a closer look at their upcoming showdown click here.