Former UFC middleweight contender Elias Theodorou will return to action at Colorado Combat Club 10 next month — and he’ll make a little bit of history when he does.
Theodorou (18-3) is set to face Bryan Baker (18-5) in the main event of CCC 10. And in a historic first, the Canadian will become the first professional athlete to compete on U.S. soil with a therapeutic use exemption for medical canabis.
That’s a change that Theodorou has been passionate about, and pushing for, since his UFC days. The Mississauga, Ontario native and winner of The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia butted heads with USADA during his UFC run, criticizing their “outdated mindset” prior to his release from the promotion.
Ironically, USADA has since lightened their stance on marijuana, easing restrictions on the drug earlier this year.
Last year, Theodorou became the first fighter to receive a therapeutic use exemption anywhere, with the ruling coming from the British Columbia Athletic Commission. He’d eventually compete at RISE FC 6 in the province. The next step, obviously, is the U.S., with Colorado the first stop.
Theodorou uses the drug to treat bilateral neuropathic pain in his wrists and elbows.
In addition to competing on the card, Theodorou is co-promoting the event, which takes place December 18 at the Island Grove in Greeley, Colorado.
The Canadian, who compiled a record of 8-3 inside the octagon, was released in 2019 following a single loss to Derek Brunson at UFC Ottawa, snapping a three-fight win streak. He’s won both his fights since parting ways with the company, and will look to make it three straight next month.
