The UFC has recently updated its stance on the use of marijuana by fighters, signaling a progressive shift in its policies. In collaboration with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the organization announced that fighters testing positive for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, will no longer face punishment. This change reflects evolving attitudes toward cannabis, recognizing its widespread use for recreational and medicinal purposes.

By updating its marijuana policy, the UFC aims to focus on performance-enhancing drugs while allowing athletes more freedom in managing their personal and professional lives responsibly. But who exactly forced the UFC to make a change in such rules? Kevin Holland in a recent interview shared the details.

Kevin Holland credits Sean O’Malley and the Diaz Brothers for the massive rule change

After the inclusion of the new rules fighters who test positive for marijuana, specifically THC (11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component of the drug, will not be given strict punishments. In the past, athletes were tested for marijuana only when they had a fight scheduled. Also, there were certain levels set to determine a doping violation. Only if the fighter was found above the allowed limit they could face some harsh punishments. However, with the changes in the rules, fighters are not penalized for testing positive for marijuana unless there is evidence to proof that it was used to improve performance.

Sean O’Malley always expressed his frustration with USADA’s policy of suspending MMA fighters for their marijuana use. The rising UFC star considered that it was unfair to penalize the use of a recreational drug. He also highlighted how he maintains a balance between using marijuana and performing in his UFC fights. Holland feels the former champion was pretty influential in forcing the UFC to change the rule. He recently sat down for a chat at The Jaxxon Podcast and shared his honest opinion on the scenario.

‘Trailblazer’ also took time to credit Nate Diaz and Nick Diaz for getting the rule changed. He said, “Because we all say Nick and I do understand Nick for sure. Nick very popular guys but the rule that really get passed until after ‘Suga’ Sean came and took that right after contender. They popped him busted him then after that they were like man f**k this rule. It was right after that.”

He further added that O’Malley was too big a star in the making for them to penalize him for cannabis use, saying, “I know it came from the Diaz [brothers], but I believe after it happened to ‘Suga’ they knew how good ‘Suga’ was going to be for the business they were like we got to throw this s..t out.” 

Although O’Malley has always been candid about his marijuana use, he has never failed a drug test. Despite this, he remains critical of anti-doping organizations that suspend fighters for using the substance. While Holland might be enjoying his time outside the Octagon, he has a tough task ahead of him at UFC 311. He will be taking on Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder who is making his second appearance in the UFC after joining in November 2024. Despite being a newcomer, he just might cause trouble for the 32-year-old American fighter according to Robert Whittaker.

Kevin Holland will need to be at his best at UFC 311 feels former champion

Reinier de Ridder is well-acquainted with the pressure of competing under the spotlight in packed arenas. ‘The Dutch Knight’ has successfully defended his title twice in the organization he has previously competed. He has even trained alongside current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. While de Ridder may not yet be a household name among some fans, he brings a unique and somewhat unconventional fighting style to the cage. However, he stands out as a more technical fighter compared to ‘Stillknocks’.

Robert Whittaker believes that if Reinier de Ridder approaches a fight with Kevin Holland in a similar manner to du Plessis, he has the potential to dominate the entire matchup. While speaking on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel he said, “I haven’t seen the Reinier guy fight, but like, let’s say he fights kind of like Dricus-esque and he’s like, he’s going to really, really try to force takedowns, I can see him dragging Holland, like, across the three [rounds] and inching out a win if Holland doesn’t stone him between those gaps,”.

Reinier de Ridder is a grappling specialist with 12 wins via submission on his professional record. He submitted Gerald Meerschaert in his UFC debut back in November 2024. Although, he might be a tough fight for Holland, both Whittaker and Adesanya are backing Kevin Holland, to win the fight. Even de Ridder acknowledges the threats Holland brings to the table and knows the kind of experience he has in the UFC.

Who do you think will win between the two at UFC 311? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.