UFC allowed to promote Overeem bout despite ban, but Nick Diaz is a different story

Source: Bloodyelbow

It seems that Alistair Overeem’s extra effort with the Nevada State Athletic Commission has earned him some brownie points, while Nick Diaz isn’t getting the same treatment. Both fighters are currently suspended by the commission – Overeem for a positive test for elevated testosterone, Diaz for elevated marijuana metabolites (his second offense in the state).

Despite the suspensions, the UFC has been granted permission from NSAC to promote Overeem’s bout with Antonio Silva in February at UFC 156. Dana White confirmed that at the UFC 154 post-fight press conference last night, but with a caveat:

“We asked the commission, can we start setting up a fight for him, but he’s still got to go before the commission.”.

“I think Alistair has been doing the right thing as far as the commission is concerned and doing all the things that he needs to do to get back in their good graces. It’s looking positive and optimistic because he’s been doing what he’s supposed to do.”

Basically, that means that neither side sees much of an issue with Overeem being re-licensed. So if they can do it for Overeem, would it work the same way with Diaz? Dana’s answer was pretty blunt:

“Nope.”

More at Bloodyelbow