Nate Diaz will be tested for marijuana by the Texas Commission ahead of his fight with Jake Paul.
Nate Diaz, a well-known mixed martial artist and advocate of marijuana use, is set to be tested for the drug by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before he fights Jake Paul in Texas. The commission confirmed that Diaz will be held to the same rules as other participants in combative sports events in the state.
The news came as a surprise to Diaz who wasn’t aware of the testing and was asked about it during the Paul vs. Diaz press conference on Tuesday. Diaz has faced similar issues in the past and has previously been at odds with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) over testing. In 2022, Diaz famously smoked weed during a sample collection and even offered a hit to the man administering the test.
If Diaz were to fail the test, the results of the fight could be changed, and he could face suspension and fines. Such a scenario could be detrimental to Diaz’s career, considering his vocal support for marijuana and the potential backlash from his fans.
It remains to be seen how the test will affect Diaz’s upcoming fight. Still, the testing highlights the ongoing conflict between athletes who use marijuana and the sports governing bodies that prohibit its use. Diaz’s situation and advocacy for marijuana in sports are a reminder of the need for more nuanced drug policies in combat sports and athletics in general, especially in states where marijuana is legal.