Nick Diaz is finally making a comeback to the UFC octagon this August. The UFC legend is respected in the MMA scene even after years of inactivity. As such, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera displayed that in his recent interview. The UFC bantamweight expressed excitement for the upcoming bout and revealed how he already knew before anybody else. Here is what happened:
Chito Vera recently sat down for a conversation with Ariel Helwani. During their discussion on The MMA Hour, Vera talked about Nick Diaz‘s upcoming return this August.
You can’t root against the Diaz brothers. When I heard Nick was on the card, I was like, holy shit, that’s cool. I mean, that’s a guy who was taken away from five years of his best fighting years for marijuana, which gives you nothing
Chito Vera on The MMA Hour
But why is Chito Vera excited about Nick Diaz? Other than the fact that nobody had expected the older Diaz brother to return to the UFC, Vera is actually fighting that same night at UFC on ABC 7. Diaz is fighting Vicente Luque while Vera will take on Deiveson Figueiredo in the bantamweight division. Vera already knew before anybody else because Chief Business Officer, Hunter Campbell had told Vera about Diaz’s return.
Marlon Vera is excited to share the card with Nick Diaz. 🤩🥊
“I am excited about that. Hunter told me before anyone knew, and now he knows I can keep a good secret because it was not leaked. I know Vicente Luque; we talked before, but you can’t root against the Diaz brothers.… pic.twitter.com/n6NrZyRsyY
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) June 10, 2024
Nick Diaz will be 41 years old when he fights at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this August. The fight is just the day after his birthday. This will be his first fight since 2021 when he fought Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 after serving his 5-year ban from the sport.
Why was Nick Diaz banned for five years from the UFC?
Nick Diaz banned for five years after Anderson Silva fight (Image via Imago)Diaz took on Anderson Silva in 2015 at UFC 183. It was at this fight where both fighters tested positive for banned substances. Silva was suspended for one year while Nick Diaz was laid off for five whole years. The commission initially handed down the lengthy suspension and a hefty fine of $165,000. It cited that Diaz’s repeated infractions justified the severe punishment.
Anderson Silva
1 year 2xIn 2015 prior to his fight with Nick Diaz, Silva tested positive for Anabolic Steroids and androstane. His victory over Diaz was overturned. Then again in 2017 Silva tested positive for banned substances and suspended but this was deemed from tainted… pic.twitter.com/iJsSzAl6hL
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) December 30, 2023
The decision sparked significant controversy and debate within the MMA community. Many argued that the punishment was excessively harsh, especially for marijuana when compared to penalties for other substances and offenses. Public outcry and pressure from fighters, fans, and other stakeholders eventually led to the NSAC reducing Diaz’s suspension to 18 months and his fine to $100,000 in 2016.
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