When it came to the UFC’s “209 Drop” NFT series’ debut, mixed martial artist and UFC legend Nate Diaz didn’t hold back. Nick and Nate Diaz were included in a limited 4/20 release, as part of a special offer for April 20th.
Nate Diaz Outspoken Against NFTs
However, according to Nate, NFTs are garbage, and he wishes to withdraw from the UFC because of this. He particularly criticized the UFC for suspending his brother for five years and fining him $10,000 for possessing a vape pen, yet now that they’ve reaped the benefits.
He tweeted, “I hope nobody buys this bullshit” followed by five thumbs down emojis.
Nate Diaz has been critical of the UFC in the past for different reasons, but his latest comments come as the organization tries to capitalize on the NFT trend.
Nate’s comments come at a time when many sports organizations around the world are attempting to capitalize on the NFT trend. The NFTs in this case were video files that featured videos from Nate and JoJo’s UFC fights and were included in the larger UFC Strike collection. Dapper Labs, which is also responsible for NBA Top Shop and NFL All-Stars, is the company behind the series.
At this time, it’s unclear what the future holds for Nate Diaz and his involvement with the UFC. However, it’s worth noting that he has been critical of the organization in the past for different reasons.
UFC vs Nate Diaz
After his rematch with Conor McGregor in July, Nate was investigated by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for an impromptu vape pen commercial at a post-fight news conference in which he used CBD oil. He said he was only smoking CDB oil then, claiming it helps with the healing process and inflammation.
The UFC decided to suspend Nick for five years and fined him $10,000. However, they eventually reduced his suspension to 18 months and rescinded the fine after he agreed to do community service.
Nate was also critical of the UFC at the time for what he considered unequal treatment when it came to marijuana use. He said that marijuana was not on the USADA banned substance list, yet his brother was still suspended and fined.
“It doesn’t make no sense,” Nate said at the time. “You can test positive for marijuana and get a pass, but if you talk about it, they try to ruin your life. That ain’t right.”
Now, with the UFC trying to cash in on the NFT craze, Nate is once again critical of the organization. He took to Twitter to express his displeasure with the situation.
“NFTs are crap,” he wrote. “I ain’t with that UFC sh*t.”
Nate also said that he wished to be released from his UFC contract because of this.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Nate Diaz and his relationship with the UFC. However, it is clear that he is not happy with the organization’s latest move.
Nate’s response appears to be intended to draw attention to the apparent double standard of fining and punishing athletes for cannabis use while simultaneously benefiting from such activities via promotional projects like these new UFC-branded NFTs.
