UFC heavyweight Dave Herman must pass an impromptu drug test in order to fight Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 162 next week, based on a ruling made by the Nevada State Athletic Commission Friday.
Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole tweeted live from the hearing, indicating that Herman has a one-fight license, pending he passes a drug test.
According to Iole, Herman told the commission he hasn’t smoked weed since November and could therefore pass a drug test at a moment’s notice.
“Pee Wee” was suspended for six months by the UFC following a loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 153 in October.
Herman tested positive for marijuana in his post-fight drug test, the second time he tested positive for the drug in a roughly one-year span.
The Team Quest fighter also had to go through a rehabilitation program in order to fulfill the terms of the suspension.
In addition to his failed drug tests, Herman has lost three fights in a row, dating back to February of last year, so a last-minute withdrawal or loss against Gonzaga would indefinitely lead to him receiving his walking papers.
Herman is heavy hitter known for almost never seeing the judge’s scorecards, only seeing a decision once in 26 professional fights.
Will Herman get his career back on track next week or will Gonzaga be able to send his American counterpart back to the regional circuit?