Why Is The Nevada Athletic Commission Looking To Suspend Two UFC Fighters?
Despite some leeway when it comes to testing of the drug, marijuana use has still become a major debate among athletic commissions.
It was reported by MMA Fighting that Tim Elliott and Jamahal Hill may face extended suspensions following positive marijuana tests. Both competitors recently fought inside the UFC Apex Center. A hearing is expected by the NSAC regarding the matter on Wednesday. Unlike USADA, the Nevada Athletic Commission may bring down punishments like fines and the overturning of their recent fights.
Via ESPN, cannabis is prohibited in-competition over a threshold of 150ng/ml under NSAC and USADA regulations.
Elliot (16-11-1) is 2-3 in his last five fights. He has fought three times in 2020, going 1-2. The 33-year-old lost to Askar Askarov at UFC 246 in January, lost to Brandon Royval in May (earned a bonus), and just beat Ryan Benoit in a last-minute bout on July 16. The May 30 matchup is what he is being investigated for. Elliot would end up posting the following on social media:
“I have been fighting in the UFC since 2012, never had any issues with drugs, or anything else for that matter. not being able to work for 9 months won’t be easy for my family hopefully the (NAC) will give me a chance to defend myself, giving my track record and the fact that I took a fight on short notice..”
@ufc #FREELLIOTT pic.twitter.com/PiOkZvETRf
— Tim Elliott (@TElliott125) August 4, 2020
Hill (8-0) is considered a rising star for the promotion. The 29-year-old, who debuted for the promotion on Dana White’s Contender Series, won two fights in 2020. He beat Darko Stosic in January and Kidson Abreu via TKO during the questioned May fight card.
They are not the first fighters to feel the wrath of the NAC or USADA due to marijuana. Kelvin Gastelum and Journey Newson are recent examples, while Nick Diaz’s five-year suspension was the most famous case. Suspensions from cases have since gone down from 18 months to six.
Additionally, Luis Pena and Marc-Andre Barriault are set to experience temporary suspensions. Their cases and reasoning will be released during the Wednesday meeting.