LOS ANGELES (AP) — UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and top contender Carlos Condit have joined the chorus of mixed martial arts figures angered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission's five-year suspension of Nick Diaz.
Lawler and Condit both called Diaz's suspension for marijuana use "ridiculous" Thursday while promoting their headlining bout at UFC 195 in Las Vegas on Jan. 2.
The 32-year-old Diaz, a popular veteran fighter and a former Strikeforce welterweight champion, was hit with that hefty suspension and a $165,000 fine last month after a divisive hearing on his third marijuana-related violation of the Nevada commission's rules. Diaz's lawyer plans to appeal the uncommonly lengthy ban.
