Jessica Eye Apologizes To Fans For Marijuana Failure, UFC 170 Licensing Depends On Drug Screen

UFC women’s bantamweight contender Jessica Eye has seen a huge amount of hoopla explode surrounding her UFC 166 split decision win over Sarah Kaufman that was recently changed to a No Contest after it was found that Eye failed a drug test at the Houston, Texas-based event.

Rumors swirled about the nature of Eye’s failed test, with one report citing blood thinners as the culprit.

Ultimately word came that she tested positive for cannabinoids. She received a yearlong “probated” suspension and is on track to get back in the cage soon.

Eye is tentatively set to face Alexis Davis at February 22’s UFC 170 in Las Vegas, but Nevada State Athletic Commission  (NSAC) Chairman Francisco Aguilar told MMA Junkie that Eye was instructed to submit to a pre-fight drug screen in order to determine her eligibility to fight at UFC 170 in Las Vegas:

“Based on the outcome of that drug test, we’ll make the determination as to whether or not a license will be granted.”

Eye paid for and submitted the test last Friday to Quest Laboratories. Aguilar also said he called the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to ensure there was no problem with getting Eye licensed to fight. If she does get a license, it will most likely be of the one-fight variety for her bout against Davis.

For her part, Eye was very apologetic, sharing the following on her Instagram account:

With more and more fighters getting suspended and fined for using marijuana, it looks like athletic commissions simply will not budge and let what they call a performance-enhancing drug be used without repercussions.

The truth of that matter is a long, ongoing debate, but one thing has become clear: too many fighters are missing valuable time in the prime of their athletic careers for marijuana.

Is it time for the commissions to lighten their stance, or is it time for the fighters to shape up and fall in line?