Three of MMA's biggest stars finally appear to be on the verge of getting their day in front of the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC). Following several delays, the NAC announced Monday that UFC fighters Nate Diaz, Jon Jones, and Brock Lesnar are scheduled to appear for hearings on their respective "proposed adjudication agreements" at the Dec. 15 commission meeting in Las Vegas, Nev.
All three fighters have been expected to appear before the commission several times due to various infractions committed over the past year, only to have the meetings invariably postponed. Diaz's hearing stems from his involvement in the UFC 202 pre-fight press conference melee in August before his rematch against Conor McGregor, while both Jones and Lesnar's hearings stem from failed drug tests taken before their respective fights at UFC 200 in July.
Diaz's case will be interesting to see unfold, as the furor over the NAC's handling of McGregor continues to be a thorn in the commission's side. The NAC in October shocked many observers by demanding that McGregor pay a $75,000 fine, fulfill 50 hours of community service, and participate in a public-service announcement worth another $75,000, all for throwing water bottles and an energy drink can at Diaz's team during the UFC 202 pre-fight press conference.
McGregor has since refused to pay the fine and filed a notice for judicial review with the Clark County civil court, hoping to challenge the NAC's ruling in court.
As for Jones and Lesnar, both fighters tested positive for the anti-estrogenic agent Hydroxy-clomiphene ahead of UFC 200, with Jones also testing positive for the aromatase inhibitor Letrozole metabolite.
MMA Fighting reported last week that Jones has reached an agreement with the NAC for a one-year suspension that will run concurrently to his one-year USADA suspension and expire on July 6, 2017. In all likelihood, Lesnar will face a similar punishment.
The NAC hearing on Dec. 15 is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. PT and take place at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, Nev. The proceedings are open to the public.
The judges and referees for UFC 207's two title fights, Ronda Rousey vs. Amanda Nunes and Dominick Cruz vs. Cody Garbrandt, will also be selected.