MMA Fighter Nate Diaz Discontent with His NFT Under the UFC’s Latest Drop

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently launched its latest NFT Collection titled “The 209 Drop,” which features prominent mixed martial artists Nate and Nick Diaz, on April 20. Following the release, however, Nate Diaz expressed his disapproval, calling the tokens “bullshit.”

The 209 Drop falls under the larger UFC Strike collection, created in partnership with blockchain firm DapperLabs. NFTs that are part of the UFC Strike collection comes in the form of video files, covering iconic moments within the organization. “It’s shit like this why I need to get the f*** out of the sorry ass UFC. Didn’t you guys suspend nick for 5 years and fine me hella money for a vape pen?! Now you’re reaping the benefits. I hope nobody buys this bullshit,” tweeted Diaz a day after the launch of the collection including his and his brother’s highlights.

Nate Diaz was at the center of a probe led by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) earlier in August 2016 after he was seen using a vape pen during a post-fight press conference for his rematch with former Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor at UFC 202. The UFC icon has since confirmed that he was smoking CBD oil because “It helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff like that. So you want to get these for before and after the fights, training. It’ll make your life a better place.”

After the investigation, Diaz was issued a warning by the USADA in October 2016. Nate Diaz’s elder brother, Nick, was previously suspended for five years in January 2015 after testing positive for marijuana. The Nevada State Athletic Commission also fined Nick Diaz $165,000 following the incident. Later in 2018, however, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed Cannabidiol (CBD) from its prohibited list.

The hypocrisy of the organization is apparently at the heart of Diaz’s disapproval as the UFC continues to profit from its athletes — particularly with these UFC Strike NFTs — even after it fined and suspended fighters over cannabis. Further into Diaz’s objection is his contentious relationship with the UFC. Just late last month, the fighter released a tweet publicly asking the organization to release him from his contract.

Source: Decrypt