You'd think someone around the Diaz camp would have been on top of this. I mean, it's hardly their first run in with anti-doping legislation. And in an era where USADA is really looking to put the bite on, even for minor infractions, it there's a good chance Nate Diaz just got himself in trouble.
After his rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 202, the former lightweight title contender adressed the media, vape pen in hand. He was inhaling CBD (or cannibidiol oil) as he told the media. It's a marijuana extract that, in Diaz's own words, "helps with the healing process and inflammation." It's also a banned substance in competition.
And now it's something that USADA is investigating in reference to Diaz's post-fight admission. The anti-doping agency gave a statement to MMA Fighting about Diaz's CBD use:
"I can confirm that USADA is aware of the situation and is currently gathering information in order to determine the next appropriate steps," USADA spokesperson Ryan Madden told MMA Fighting in a statement.
According to USADA regulations, Diaz's use could land him a suspension of up to one year, even if he doesn't test positive for the drug. While the "in competition" period under which CBD would be a NSAC doping violation only stretches from 12 hours prior to his bout up through the NSAC's post-fight drug test, things work a bit differently on the USADA/UFC side. Per Combatsportslaw.com, USADA's anti-doping contract with the UFC include a post-fight window of up to 6-hours under which an athlete may be tested and still considered "in competition."
And even if they didn't test Nate during those 6 hours post fight, his public comments in that window could easily be construed as admission of use. That was enough to get Mirko Cro Cop busted. If USADA decides to really pursue this to the fullest extent they can, Diaz may end up spending the next year sitting on the sidelines.