Nick Diaz remains one of the top welterweights in the world despite a close loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143.
The problem for Diaz is that he simply cannot stay out of trouble. His latest transgression was testing positive for marijuana for the second time in his career.
Not only did Diaz fail to defeat Condit and become the UFC interim welterweight champion, he’s looking at a one-year suspension and possibly a pink slip. Frustrated with Diaz’s no-shows in the past, UFC president Dana White made his feelings clear in a prepared statement.
“I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana,” White said. “It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”
When contacted by ESPN.com’s Josh Gross the day before the announcement, Cesar Gracie, Diaz’s trainer, replied, “I have been told not to comment on anything.” The same day, Condit’s management team e-mailed FightLaunch.com neither confirming nor denying reports linked to the “Natural Born Killer.”
Although Condit’s win put him and his team in position to decide whether they wanted a Diaz rematch, White tweeted early in the week that the fight was accepted. The impetuous behind talks of Condit-Diaz II was backlash amongst some fans that Diaz was the rightful winner and Condit spent the fight running. Diaz-Condit was close, but to suggest Diaz “got robbed” is off base. I had Condit 48-47. His attack was more varied and he figured Diaz out by Round 3. Counterpunching, diversity and correct adjustments led to Condit’s win. His array of strikes was beautiful and Diaz had few answers.
Alas, like Condit, we are left wondering what’s next for the explosive interim champion. His managers were reportedly scheduled to meet with White to figure out the next move. According to White, it won’t be Georges St. Pierre anytime soon. St. Pierre has been rehabbing a torn ACL and White told reporters he’s “far from being ready.” The real welterweight camp, St. Pierre believes he’ll be ready by November. Whether Condit is willing to wait that long or takes another fight (Jake Ellenberger if he gets past Diego Sanchez next week on FUEL?) remains to be seen.
Jon Lane covers MMA for UFC.com and Tapout magazine. Follow Jon on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC
