UFC’s Diaz tests positive for marijuana, faces suspension

A planned rematch between Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit for the Ultimate Fighting Championship interim welterweight title is unlikely to occur after Diaz tested positive for marijuana.

The test was administered after Diaz lost a unanimous decision to Condit for the interim belt in the main event of UFC 143 on Saturday at Mandalay Bay.

Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer announced the result via email Thursday. "Mr. Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites," Kizer wrote. "A complaint for disciplinary action against Mr. Diaz has been filed."

It is the second time Diaz, who reportedly has a prescription to use medicinal marijuana in his home state of California, has tested positive for the drug after a fight in Nevada.

Kizer told the Las Vegas Review-Journal no request for a therapeutic use exemption was made by Diaz, nor did he believe anyone had ever made such a request for marijuana.

Diaz also submitted a positive test to the NAC in February 2007 after beating Takanori Gomi in a Pride bout at the Thomas & Mack Center. Diaz was suspended for six months and fined $3,000, which was 20 percent of his purse.

As a repeat offender, Diaz probably is subject to a harsher penalty. His disclosed purse for the fight Saturday was $200,000. Diaz's license has been temporarily suspended, and he has 20 days to respond to the complaint, according to Kizer, who stressed that Diaz is innocent until proven guilty and has the right to defend himself.

The 20-day period will begin as soon as the fighter receives written notice of the positive test. Kizer said a letter was mailed to Diaz on Wednesday.

"I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana," UFC president Dana White said in a statement. "It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission."

Diaz has been open about his use of the drug. He was quoted in a 2009 High Times magazine article as not being worried about passing drug screenings.

"I can pass a drug test in eight days with herbal cleansers," he said in the article. "I drink 10 pounds of water and sweat out 10 pounds of water every day. I'll be fine."

He's often talked of needing marijuana to counter the effects of attention deficit disorder.

Diaz was expected to be granted a rematch against Condit after he and many fans expressed anger at the judging of Saturday's bout.

Condit is now likely to wait on champion Georges St. Pierre to return to action, which is expected in November. St. Pierre is recovering from surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.