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Pat Healy made a successful return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ranks by submitting Jim Miller in the third and final round at UFC 159.
The thrill of victory for the Strikeforce import was short-lived, however, after it was revealed he had failed his post-fight drug test, testing positive for marijuana. Thanks to his "poor life choices," Healy saw his win overturned to a no-contest (NC) and also saw his "Fight Night" and "Submission of the Night" bonuses totaling $130,000, go out the window, too.
Here's the kicker:
"Bam Bam" admitted to his transgression, despite the fact that the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) wasn't going to reveal what exactly he tested positive for. Healy says he decided to confess to his wrongdoings on his own because as he sees it, you have to be a "man" about it and "when you mess up, you have to step up and own it."
He talked about his recent roller coaster ride of emotions over the last few weeks during his appearance on "The MMA Hour:"
"I felt like it was going to come out regardless. If they weren't going to announce what it was for, it was going to come out that I had failed a drug test for an unknown substance. I'd rather be honest about the whole situation than let a bunch of false information or wrong information get out there and make me look even worse."
Healy detailed exactly when it was that he smoked the marijuana and says he never looked into what kind of detox methods could rid him of the toxins because he didn't think it would be an issue:
"It was about three and a half or four weeks out. It was at a friend's birthday party, just hanging out. To be honest, I didn't even think it would be an issue. It was a huge mistake and I wish I could go back in time and slap myself because it was just a dumb thing to do."
Healy says he is not an active marijuana smoker, revealing he puffs on some reefer seven or eight times a year for leisure purposes, not medicinal. Furthermore, after feeling relieved knowing he wasn't going to get cut from the UFC ranks, he vows he won't be smoking marijuana anymore because it isn't something he wants to be associated with.
Regarding the UFC's decision to take away his "Fight Night" bonuses, Pat says while he is "bummed," he understands rules are rules.
"I think it was a bummer for me, but I don't think it was not fair because those are the rules. That's how they handle it and that's how they've always handled it when it has happened in the past. That's the way they do things."
Saying he was "disappointed" in himself for his decision, he plans to work his way up the division rankings and is prepared to face any and all comers. Currently facing a 90-day suspension, Healy revealed the SACB won't fine him and he did indeed receive his show and win money which totaled $46,000.
For all you math geniuses, his total fight purse would have been $176,000 had he kept his lungs free of marijuana smoke.
Nate Diaz came to the defense of Healy after it was revealed his "Submission of the Night" bonus would be going to Bryan Caraway for his submission of Johnny Bedford, calling Caraway the "biggest fag in the world" for accepting the bonus.
Nate's comments cost him a cool $20,000 and 90-day suspension from ZUFFA. And Healy, for one, feels bad that his poor choices brought on more trouble for others:
"I feel bad that my poor choices brought more trouble for anybody, Caraway and Nate."
While he hasn't reached out to Diaz, he is appreciative of the support he received from him as well as the rest of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.
Any of you appreciate Healy's honesty and willingness to own up to his transgressions? After having a few days to soak in all the drama that ensued, have your opinions changed on how UFC handled his punishment?
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