USADA notifies UFC of potential violation involving Nick Diaz
The UFC announced that Nick Diaz has been provisionally suspended by USADA for “accumulating three whereabouts failures.” Diaz is suspended until the issue is resolved somewhere down the line. Diaz has been out of action for two years, ever since losing a decision to Anderson Silva at UFC 183. Dana White has stated that he doesn’t think that Nick Diaz will fight again, and this is perhaps more proof of that. Diaz didn’t test positive for anything here; it seems that he simply neglected to inform USADA of his whereabouts, and that alone is enough to trigger a suspension.
This has to leave people wondering if Nick Diaz even plans to fight again. He has always been a hard fighter to predict, but as he sits out, time passes, and at 34 years old it seems like time is ticking for him to decide.
Henry’s Analysis: I think Diaz will fight again at some point in the future, but obviously isn’t in a rush. I think it’s obvious that he isn’t concerned with a title run, but would prefer marquee fights, or a direct title fight if one happens to come his way. Now I know that rumors come up from time to time that he has turned down big fights, but still I think it’s all about timing with him. As far as this suspension goes, it’s hard to say how this will play out because this is that first time that this has happened as far as I know. Perhaps Diaz won’t be facing a long suspension, but with how many he’s faced in the past I guess anything could happen. Never a dull moment with the Diaz brothers, but one does have to wonder what is going through Nick’s head sometimes.
White: We’ve made mistakes when it comes to Cyborg
Dana White recently spoke with MMAJunkie and seemed to regret the way that Cris Cyborg has been treated so far in the UFC. Cyborg and White have had a rough relationship, with White even going as far as insulting the looks of the former Strikeforce Women’s Champion. White admitted that the UFC has made mistakes in dealing with Cyborg, and believes that giving her the title fight that she deserves is a step in the right direction.
Cyborg will be fighting Tanya Evinger for the vacant UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship. The title was vacated when former champion, Germaine De Randamie, decided that she preferred to return to the bantamweight division. The fight will take place at UFC 214 on July 29. It will be Cris Cyborg’s third UFC appearance, and the debut for Evinger.
Cortney Casey cleared in doping case
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has lifted the sanctions that were imposed on Cortney Casey following her win over Jessica Aguilar at UFC 211. The failure was not recognized by USADA after the B sample came back negative for any sort of banned substance. After examining the B-sample, the TDLR decided to lift the sanctions and give Casey her win back. It’s good to see that this matter was resolved. This was the best performance of Casey’s career so far, so a no-contest would have been a real shame here.
Professional Fighters League: Daytona Quick results
Jon Fitch defeated Brian Foster via Submission (Round 2, 3:12)
Herman Terrado defeated Joao Zeferino via Split Decision
Jason High defeated Caros Fodor via Unanimous Decision
Ronny Markes defeated Smealinho Rama vis Unanimous Decision
NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATE: THURSDAY NEWS DIGEST 6/29: Tyron Woodley to defend against Demian Maia, winner faces GSP (w/Hiscoe’s Analysis)
Jon FITCH not John fight, auto correct issue!