Nate Diaz smokes up at UFC 263 presser, Arizona commission adopts UFC rules on marijuana usage

Nate Diaz is back, and he’s got one less thing to worry about after he fights at UFC 263 on Saturday night.

On Friday, UFC VP of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky confirmed the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission would be adapting rules for marijuana that are used in the UFC’s anti-doping program.

The UFC along with the United States Anti-Doping Agency recently announced changes to the anti-doping policy that fighters would no longer be punished for marijuana usage in or out of competition unless under specific circumstances of impairment during a fight.

“Great working with AZ Commission, who are adopting our testing program/rules for this weekend,” Novitzky tweeted ahead of UFC 263 in Arizona. “Only issue with marijuana (THC) for Saturday’s fights is don’t show up impaired or under the influence. How it should be!”

Diaz, a well-known and well documented marijuana user, took full advantage. He was seen lighting up a joint on stage during the press conference.

“That’s Kill_4209,” Diaz answered when asked what he was smoking. “That’s the chronic, right there baby. You already know what’s up.”

Diaz’s representatives told MMA Fighting on Thursday that Kill_4209 is his own strain of marijuana, which is just the latest business endeavor for the former UFC title contender. He also owns his a CBD company, Game Up Nutrition, and his own clothing line called Rep Hard.

Marijuana is also legal to use recreationally by anyone over the age of 21 in the state of Arizona.

As for his upcoming fight against Leon Edwards on Saturday night, Diaz explained why this particular matchup interested him after he decided to make a return to action following his previous appearance in 2019.

“I believe just like how GSP (Georges St-Pierre) was doing his thing back in the day, I think he’s doing the same thing and not getting no love for it,” Diaz said. “So I’m pumped to fight a worthy opponent and that’s what I’m here for. I’m coming to win.”

Edwards has gone undefeated in his past nine fights, steadily climbing up the welterweight ranks, but he hasn’t been featured in many high-profile matchups during that time.

Now, the British slugger will get the chance to take on a proven draw in Diaz, who will attempt to stop Edwards’ momentum and make a huge impact of his own in the 170-pound division.

Prior to the event, UFC President Dana White stated the winner of the fight between Edwards and Diaz could potentially end up in line for a future title fight.

Diaz might also have some unfinished business to settle with Jorge Masvidal after they battled for the first and only “BMF” championship nearly two years ago. On that night, Diaz was not allowed to continue past the third round due to cuts he sustained on his face, and Masvidal has always maintained that he’d be willing to return for a rematch.

Whether the “BMF” title goes up for grabs or not, Diaz promises to deliver with the same kind of impact as always when he fights Edwards – or anybody else in the UFC.

“Every fight is gonna be the baddest motherf*cking fight you ever seen,” Diaz said about his future.