Written by Rick Snavely at MMA Manifesto
On Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, Ariel Helwani reported news that the Nevada State Athletic Commission is proposing to reduce Nick Diaz’s suspension. Specifically, Diaz’s controversial five year suspension may be reduced to 18 months, while his $160,000 fine would be reduced to $100,000.
Given the retroactive nature of such rulings, this would leave Diaz free to compete as soon as July 31st of 2016.
Daniel Cormier and Kenny Florian were quick to comment that Diaz likely doesn’t deserve any punishment, but they also conceded that a lesser punishment was a step in the right direction.
Another factor noted involved the outcry of disapproval from around the MMA world. Many prominent figures, including Ronda Rousey and Massachusetts State Athletic Commission member Joseph Krowski Jr., publicly voiced their discontent with the NSAC’s handling of Diaz’s hearing. In addition, a petition posted on whitehouse.org was able to garner well over the 100,000 signatures required within a month that would allow the issue to be presented to White House officials.
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