These 10 MMA fighters who support cannabis and continue to push for its place in sports medicine have spearheaded the movement in MMA and combat sports as a whole.
The relationship between cannabis and combat sports is changing. Gone are the days when fighters were penalized for using the plant to recover from brutal training camps and fights. As MMA grows, so does the understanding of cannabis as a tool for healing, focus, and relaxation. While leagues like the UFC have eased their stance on weed, some fighters have been ahead of the curve, advocating for cannabis long before it became more accepted.
10 MMA Fighters Who Support Cannabis
Nate Diaz
You can’t talk about cannabis and MMA without mentioning Nate Diaz. The Stockton legend made headlines when he casually puffed a CBD vape during a UFC press conference in 2016, setting the tone for fighters to embrace the plant publicly. Diaz, who has never shied away from his love for cannabis, has since launched his line of CBD products at Game Up Nutrition that includes CBD pre-rolls, roll on topicals and edibles.
Nick Diaz
Before Nate was making waves with his cannabis advocacy, his older brother, Nick, was already leading the charge. Nick has had multiple run-ins with athletic commissions over marijuana use, even receiving a five-year suspension (later reduced) for a positive test in 2015. Despite the setbacks, he’s never backed down from his stance that weed is far less harmful than prescription painkillers. When it comes to MMA fighters who support cannabis, almost nobody has paid a higher price for their support than Nick.
“Suga” Sean O’Malley
“Suga” Sean O’Malley is as skilled as he is entertaining. Part of his brand includes openly discussing and using cannabis. O’Malley has collaborated with cannabis brands, frequently shares his smoking habits with fans, and credits marijuana for helping him relax and recover between fights. Suga is easily one of the most popular and influential MMA fighters who support cannabis, helping further eliminate cannabis-based stigmas.
Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo is a major figure in cannabis culture within combat sports. The founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu has long promoted marijuana’s benefits for creativity, focus, and recovery, even claiming it helps his students think more freely on the mats. Bravo has long been a vocal fan of MMA fighters who support cannabis and CBD use in their profession.
Eddie Alvarez
The former UFC and Bellator lightweight champ has spoken out about cannabis use for pain management. Alvarez believes that fighters should have access to alternatives like marijuana and CBD instead of relying on pharmaceuticals, which can lead to addiction and long-term health issues.
Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle’s UFC career was cut short due to multiple positive tests for cannabis in the same year. He was cut from the promotion with a 10-3 record and a five-fight winning streak. Rather than abandoning his cannabis use, he doubled down, criticizing the promotion’s outdated policies. Now a pro wrestler, Riddle remains a vocal supporter of marijuana as a safer alternative to opioids.
Frank Shamrock
As an MMA pioneer, Frank Shamrock has always been ahead of his time. Shamrock has been an advocate for medical marijuana, particularly for its ability to help fighters deal with chronic pain and brain trauma after years in the cage.
Bas Rutten
A legend in the sport, Bas Rutten, became a believer after seeing its impact on recovery. He has since endorsed CBD as a tool for fighters dealing with injuries and post-career aches, emphasizing that it’s a much healthier alternative to painkillers.
Jake Shields
Another Diaz Army member, Jake Shields, a former Strikeforce Champion, has never hidden his cannabis use. Whether it’s for relaxation or medicinal purposes, Shields has openly discussed marijuana’s benefits and continues to be an advocate for its place in MMA. He’s also hosted Jiu Jitsu / cannabis seminars with Jiu Jitsu World Champion Denny Prokopos.
Kevin Holland
Kevin Holland is known for his wild fight style and constant chatter inside the Octagon. He’s also one of the newer generation of fighters who openly embrace cannabis, discussing its role in his lifestyle and training routine without any fear of stigma. He spoke with former UFC Champion Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson about his cannabis use.
Ian McCall
A former UFC flyweight legend, Ian McCall has been one of the most vocal advocates for cannabis and psychedelics in MMA. After retiring from competition, McCall has focused on using plant medicine to help fighters deal with trauma, chronic pain, and mental health struggles. He believes cannabis, along with psychedelics, can play a crucial role in athlete recovery and long-term well-being.
Cannabis and CBD Use Going Forward in Combat Sports
With the UFC and other organizations finally relaxing their stance on marijuana, more fighters are embracing cannabis without worrying about career-damaging suspensions. From CBD for recovery to THC for mental relaxation, cannabis is proving to be an integral part of an MMA fighter’s toolkit. As more athletes speak up, expect the stigma to fade further, allowing fighters to use the plant in ways that benefit their health and longevity.
