The Nevada State Athletic Commission is likely to hear the case of Nick Diaz sometime in April, according to NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer.
For now, Diaz is temporarily suspended following a disciplinary complaint filed by the NSAC to the Nevada Attorney General that states the fighter broke rule 467.850 of the commission's administrative code when he tested positive for marijuana metabolites following UFC 143.
At the NSAC's next meeting on Feb. 22, Kizer will ask the commission to uphold the temporary suspension until the formal hearing in April, where Diaz is expected to answer to the complaint.
Rule 467.850 bars the use of banned substances including performance-enhancing drugs and drugs of abuse such as marijuana.
Kizer today notified MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com) of Diaz's positive test. The former Strikeforce welterweight champ was one of 18 athletes who were tested for drugs of abuse and performance enhancers following the pay-per-view event, which took place this past Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Diaz lost a unanimous decision to Carlos Condit in a bout for the UFC interim welterweight title. He subsequently said he would retire from the sport following the fight.
On Tuesday, UFC president Dana White said a rematch between Diaz and Condit was in the works, but a day later, Diaz manager Cesar Gracie said the fight was a no-go.
Among the possible punishments Diaz faces, Kizer said the commission could levy fines, suspend him, as well as revoke or place conditions on the license.
"In the past, the norm for a positive test for marijuana is six months, but we have had two repeat offenders and they both got a 12-month suspension," he said. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that's what will happen here."
UFC president Dana White issued a brief official statement but did not comment specifically on the UFC's plans for Diaz.
"I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana," White stated. "It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”
Gracie declined comment when reached today.
Meanwhile, Condit's manager, Malki Kawa, said his client's next move is currently unclear. The interim champ is set to meet with UFC officials on Friday to determine his immediate future.
Source: NSAC: Diaz hearing possible for April, past multiple offenders issued yearlong suspension