Morning Report: Nick Diaz applying for a promoter's license in the state of California, confirms CSAC

Whether you like him or not, it's hard to deny that Nick Diaz always keeps this insulated little world of ours interesting.

Over this past weekend, a website with the domain name nickdiazpromotions.com popped up amongst rumors that Diaz was spearheading a new fight promotion. The simple white backdrop of the site featured a stylized logo for an organization dubbed War Mixed Martial Arts, with the ominous words "COMING SOON" written below. Very quickly afterward, a Twitter account of the same name was created.

Upon first glance, it's easy to dismiss the story as a hoax perpetrated by another bored MMA fan. However, on Monday an official of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) confirmed to MMA Junkie that Diaz has, in fact, begun the process of applying for his promoter's license in the state of California. Seriously.

It's worth noting, the same official mentioned that a litany of items still stand in the way of War MMA becoming a reality. But even still, the idea of Diaz playing Dana White for a media conference call drips so much comedic potential that it's borderline criminal.

As for the ‘wonder if he misses his own press conference' jokes, they're all right there for the taking, so I'll entrust those to you guys. Don't disappoint.

7 MUST-READ STORIES

Diaz applies for promoter's license. Days after the registering of domain name nickdiazpromotions.com, the California State Athletic Commission confirmed to MMA Junkie that Nick Diaz has initiated the process of applying for a promoter's license in the state of California.

Askren on drug testing. Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren revealed on Twitter that he has been drug tested only once over the course of eight Bellator fights.

The MMA Hour. Ariel Helwani and The MMA Hour return with another loaded episode, featuring Nick Newell in studio, Josh Barnett, Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier, Liz Carmouche, Mike Chiesa and Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza.

Barnett talks UFC. Heavyweight free agent Josh Barnett re-opened the door for a potential return to the UFC. "I would love to fight in the UFC next," Barnett said. "I've been a top 10 fighter longer than anybody active in mixed martial arts at this time, and there's a real good reason for that. To be in the UFC would mean to go back to where I already won the belt, to go back to where I was a champion at 24 years old, and try to cement my legacy as an MMA fighter. I don't really feel I can create that legacy and finish on a high point unless I'm there."

Overeem update. Dutch heavyweight Alistair Overeem is expected to return to action against a yet-to-be-determined opponent at UFC 164. Overeem last fought at UFC 156, where he suffered a brutal third-round KO loss at the hands of Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva.

Mayorga's win overturned. Former boxing champion Ricardo Mayorga's controversial win over Wesley Tiffer in his MMA debut has been overturned into a no contest by the Nicaraguan MMA commission. Mayorga also received a three-month suspension.

Espinoza talks MMA, Mayweather. The dissolution of Strikeforce marked an end of an era for Showtime, however according to Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza, the network's absence from MMA will only be temporary. "I definitely want it back. I think we, as a company, want it back," Espinoza said. He also revealed that Floyd Mayweather's Showtime debut against Robert Guerrero topped one million pay-per-view buys, despite reports to the contrary.

MEDIA STEW

First up, check out the debut trailer for FUEL TV Australia's upcoming Mark Hunt documentary: The Art of Fighting.

Pat Barry recently competed in a grappling tournament. Everything went better than expected.

(HT: Reddit)

Anderson Silva: Master Troll.

Seriously guys, Russia is a magical place. Arrows MMA, the same guys who brought you such classics as sand pit championships, have stepped it up a notch. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Arrows Street Fight Championships, an amateur competition that brands itself with, among others, the tagline: "A local dentist faces off with an accountant. A bum beats up an ex-cop! Incredible action!" And yes, it's held inside of a soccer stadium.

(HT: MiddleEasy)

If you've been waiting for the newest episode of The Gracie Way, then hey, you're in luck. Today's latest features cameos from Ronda Rousey, Lyoto Machida and Brendan Schaub.

Flywin's latest is absolutely sensational. If you can, dial this baby up to 1080p.

WAIT... REALLY?

Just read the article on why Bellator fighters don't fail drug tests.Hard to fail a test when you don't take it.Only been tested once!

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 13, 2013

Don't really care that we aren't tested bc cheaters will cheat no matter what!Just thought the articles was really silly.

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 13, 2013

FOND MEMORIES

I remember when I was 16 and my mom jumped on my dads back out of nowhere, sunk a rear naked, then jumped up DX crotch chopping.

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) May 12, 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL

English Class #Wizard twitter.com/SpiderAnderson…

— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) May 10, 2013

EVEN IF THIS ISN'T REAL, IT SHOULD BE

.@josecanseco you should fight @shaq on @nickdiazpromo card what does everyone think?

— Diaz Brothers (@DiazBrothers209) May 13, 2013

@diazbrothers209 @shaq @nickdiazpromo 209 I am in

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 13, 2013

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Monday, May 12, 2013):

• UFC on FOX Sports 1: Joe Lauzon (22-8) vs. Michael Johnson (12-8)

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today's Fanpost of the Day comes to us from Decado, who sets the record straight with: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Facts.

This is a slightly edited repost of an older fanpost I made. There has been a lot of incorrect and misleading information flying around recently about TRT thanks to the recent Sonnen and, currently, Belfort fights.

It contains detailed information about the causes of Low Testosterone, the tests given by athletic commissions, the normal levels for a person and how those levels are determined and other pertinent information.

This is an educational post letting you learn about TRT so, hopefully, the comment discussions of it are more enlightened and accurate. Plus who doesn't like learning about balls?

Most of you, if you recognize my name, probably know it as someone who does satirical fanposts/tweets, or as one of the hosts of MMA Sentinel radio - this isn't one of those funny pieces (sorry to disappoint). It's the culmination of a lot of research and studying and as a result can be a little dry. Hopefully you'll still get through it alright.

The original is functionally identical, but if you're so inclined you can check it out here:

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/8/6/3224013/facts-about-trt-hypogonadism

THE CAUSES OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is the term used to refer to treatment of two specific diagnoses - Primary hypogonadism and Secondary hypogonadism.

Primary hypogonadism refers to any issue which causes the testicles (gonads) to no longer produce the required amount of testosterone for a person to function normally. In women it refers to the ovaries rather than the testicles. Primary hypogonadism is also known as Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism.

A non-exhaustive list of causes of primary hypogonadism[1][2]:

- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Genetic & Developmental disorders: e.g., Klinefelter's syndrome, Anorchia
- Toxins: Alcohol, heavy metals
- Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles, caused by infections or STDs. Most common post puberty)
- Infection
- Liver & Kidney Disease
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Trauma (Trauma in this incidence refers to direct testicular trauma, as opposed to in Secondary Hypogonadism which refers most often to head trauma.)
- Steroid abuse[3]
- Ageing [4]

In total the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists lists 18 direct biological causes of primary hypogonadism. This list does not speculate as to the reason or causes for any of these biological methods of action (e.g. it does not list steroid abuse as a cause, simply the biological result of steroid abuse).[4]

It should be noted that while some sources consider ageing to be a cause of primary hypogonadism, others (such as the AACE) feel it is more likely to be a secondary cause of hypogonadism. This is because the exact mechanism of reduced testosterone in older men is varied and is often not the result of a single cause, but of reduced testicular action combined with other hormonal issues. Because it is not solely a testicular issue, the AACE does not consider it a cause of primary hypogonadism.

The AACE do however concede that "more recent evidence supports the view that an age-related decline in testicular function may occur with associated symptoms and often responds to testosterone replacement therapy"

As we can see, there are reversible causes on this list (such as infections, inflammation of the testicles & heal-able trauma). This is in direct opposition to what some people have claimed and is a common misunderstanding of hypogonadism.

In an ideal world, treatment for hypogonadism would not be prescribed or used until the exact cause of hypogonadism had been diagnosed. In practice many doctors will treat the condition first in order to improve a patients quality of life before the cause of low testosterone is diagnosed.

[5]Of all causes of primary hypogonadism in men Klinefelter's syndrome is the most common, occurring in 1 in every 500-1000 live births in males (an incidence rate of approx 0.1-0.2% of all males).

Secondary Hypogonadism refers to any problems in producing testosterone or related substances where problems with the testicles are not a primary factor. Most often this involves issues with the Hypothalamus & hormones, or the Pituitary Gland. Secondary Hypogonadism is also known as Central Hypogonadism.

Much more after the jump...

Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.