Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Fight fans were worried for Nate Diaz as the Stockton native sparked up a joint during UFC 241’s open workouts last month just a few days before taking out Anthony Pettis in the co-main event.
Lighting up a joint and sharing it with fight fans was a perfect way to re-enter the UFC mix after a three-year absence, but the incident had some wondering if Daiz would pass all drug tests related to UFC 241. After all, his win over Pettis was one of the most impressive of Diaz’s career. Overturning it would have cost the veteran dearly.
Luckily, Diaz has passed all drug tests surrounding UFC 241’s event last month in Anaheim, Calif., per a recent report by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
Additionally, I’ve confirmed with multiple sources that Nate Diaz passed all his drug tests surrounding UFC 241 last month. You’ll recall, he smoked a joint at the open workouts so there was some concern there but he’s in the clear now.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2019
“Additionally, I’ve confirmed with multiple sources that Nate Diaz passed all his drug tests surrounding UFC 241 last month. You’ll recall, he smoked a joint at the open workouts so there was some concern there but he’s in the clear now,” wrote Helwani via Twitter.
Now that Diaz is in the clear and free of any drug-related questions stemming from his UFC 241 open workout blunt session, the 34-year-old is free to get back inside of the Octagon as soon as possible. That’s great news for the surging superstar considering UFC just booked Diaz to fight welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 this November in New York City. The bout will serve as a five-round, non-title fight main event.
Diaz, who hadn’t fought in three years prior to his return at UFC 241, has taken his UFC stock to new heights with his most recent victory over “Showtime.” Pettis is obviously a long-time lightweight who decided to test the waters at 170 pounds, but he remains one of the best strikers in all of MMA. Diaz being able to shake the rust off and beat Pettis at every turn was nothing short of spectacular.
Should Diaz get past Masvidal in their five-round main event this fall there’s a really good chance UFC rewards the veteran with a shot at the welterweight gold.