The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has brought down the hammer on UFC welterweight fighter Niko Price during a monthly meeting. Price will be benched for 6 months after he tested positive for marijuana following his bout in September. Niko Price faced off against perennial veteran Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone’ and the bout ended in a majority draw.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The fight has been overturned to a ‘No Contest’ on the record of both fighters following NSAC’s recent ruling. Not to mention, Price was also slapped with an $8,500 fine for his test that came back over the viable limit. ‘The Hybrid’ took to Twitter and spoke out to fans following the news of the suspension.
Thank you all for the kind words. I’ll be back and ready to throw down right away after this suspension in march/April @ufc @seanshelby #ufc
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) December 2, 2020
Furthermore, this isn’t the first time Niko Price has put a toe across the line after he popped for marijuana back in 2017. Marijuana isn’t illegal in the state of Nevada; however, it has been placed on the banned substance list.
Niko Price vs Donald Cerrone: A missed opportunity
The 14-4 fighter has fought top names in the 170-pound division ever since he made his move to the UFC. Facing off against ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone was a massive opportunity and in all accounts, he put forth a good performance. Cerrone’s known amongst the casual fanbase and it served as a good opportunity to raise his profile in the division.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Donald Cerrone (L) and Niko Price (R) battle to a draw in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on September 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The bout itself was an exciting contest that saw both fighters vying for the ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus. Additionally, the only drawback from the three-round affair was eye pokes that caught ‘Cowboy’ all night long. Following the draw, both fighters were keen to run things back. However, it seems as though there will be a delay in the schedule.
NSAC has a storied reputation for overturning fights over positive marijuana suspension with Kevin Croom and Trevin Jones being stand-outs. Moreover, the suspensions gained a more rounded outlook following Nick Diaz’s infamous five-year suspension for marijuana. With a ‘No Contest’ to his name, Niko Price will have to head back to the drawing board.
He may have to fight a lower-ranked opponent. However, considering the depth of the welterweight division, there’s no doubt he’ll draw a game opponent.
Also Read: BREAKING: Darren Till Announces Big News- Will Change Weight Division
