Nick Diaz could be back as early as 2016 in the UFC if the reported talks between his legal counsel (Campbell & Williams) and the Nevada Athletic Commission come up with an amicable settlement in connection with his five-year suspension meted last month.
Diaz was handed the suspension, which included a hefty $165,000 fine, for the failed post-fight drug tests after UFC 183.
This was the event where Diaz lost to a returning Anderson Silva, who incidentally was also suspended but for just one year due to failed drug tests.
For his part, Silva was fined higher – $200,000 in bonus and 30% of his $600,000 show money. However, unlike Diaz, Silva could return to UFC action by February, 2016.
Going back to Diaz, it was the third time he had been linked to failed drug tests. He had similar cases involving marijuana metabolites back in 2007 and 2012.
The thing about his latest drug test episode is that there were inconsistencies found. He underwent one test before the UFC 183 fight and twice afterwards.
The first and third samples were administered by the World Anti-Doping Agency while the second was done by an unaccredited WADA agency. It was the second testing that found Diaz positive for drugs.
Many have decried the suspension of Diaz. Now at 32, there are some who feel that he may not be able to make a successful return if the five-year ban sticks.
Many felt that the ban was harsh and ridiculous. Diaz gained support from his UFC colleagues and fans.
Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor and UFC Women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey head the list of Diaz' supporters who feel that the ban was a bit stiff and in a way, overboard.
Outside the UFC circle, celebrities likewise aired their support for Diaz. That included retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., Cher and Wiz Khalifa.
Right now, the Nevada Athletic Commission says that the case of Diaz is not among the ones lined up in their Thursday meeting. However, they did confirm that talks are ongoing.
"Settlement discussions between the NSAC and Mr. Diaz and his counsel are ongoing,” says NAC chairman Francisco Aguilar.
Diaz is hopeful that the records are set straight soon, which could lead in his suspension being lifted.
Awry as it seems, Diaz has full confidence on his legal team, and hopefully, the ongoing talks end up on a positive note.
“..We’re working hard with them to get this right. Thanks for the support,” says Diaz via his Instagram account.
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