Temporary Retirement?
Long time MMA and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu coach, Cesar Gracie is now coming to the defense of former UFC Wealterweight, Nick Diaz.
In October 2011, Diaz's UFC debut fight which brought him a 3 round Unanimous Decision victory over the former Wealterweight Champion BJ Penn igniting Penn's Retirement.
With Geroges St. Pierre, the current Wealterweight Title holder out of the ring awaiting recovery from knee sugery, Diaz fought Carlos Condit for the Interim title. Condit came out with the Unanimous Decision defeating Diaz.
Six days following his loss to Carlos Condit, Diaz tested positive in a urinalysis for Marijuana and has been fighting the NSAC (Nevada State Atheletics Commission) since.
After losing the court battle for the failed urinalysis, Diaz's coach, Cesar Gracie came back with this statement, June 29, 2011 in an interview with Fight Hub TV:
"There's retired and there's retired. One day you have a job and you retire, you're retired. But Nick's too young, he's what, 28 (or) 29, whatever he is. I think the word can be used ... how about temporarily retired? I think that would be a better thing about it, he's temporarily retired."
My opinion:
Temporarily retired? You're either retired or in the game. I have a lot of respect for the Gracies but when they do what they're doing do defend a fighter for the use of illegal drugs... I lose substatial respect for the team, the fighter, and the coaches. That's just rediculous! Diaz, you tested posistive, there's no getting out of it, good luck with out the UFC.
Photos from top to bottom: Diaz promo for Stikeforce (2) A "fan made" picture of Diaz with a giant marijana plant.
