Some common sense prevailed, last night, as Nick Diaz had his 5-year drug suspension reduced to 18 months.
In January of last year, Diaz tested positive for marijuana after UFC 183. He was hit with a five-year ban and fined $165,000.
On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletics Commission reviewed his case and reduced both the suspension and fine [to $100,000]. It means Diaz can fight against from August 1 of this year.
The lengthy ban had originally been imposed as it had been the third time Diaz had tested positive for marijuana use in the state of Nevada.
News of the ban, last September, sparked an outcry and over 100,000 people signed a petition appealing against its severity. That petition went all the way to The White House.
The decision, once it was handed down by NAC, took mere seconds to read out before other business was dealt with. Soon after, Diaz posted this:
I'd like to thank Dana, Lorenzo, UFC, my attorney's and all my fans. Back to work. 💯💪… https://t.co/BojfyYpjzx pic.twitter.com/8QGbb5V5sc
— Nick Diaz (@nickdiaz209) January 13, 2016
He certainly looks ready to roll. Diaz could get back to work at a Fight Night event of UFC 201 in August.
The 32-year-old stepped up to middleweight for his UFC 183 bout with Anderson Silva. He is expected to remain in the division.
