By James Matthews
When Elias Theodorou enters the octagon on March 6, he will be making history.
Theodorou is the first professional athlete and MMA fighter in the world to receive a therapeutic use exemption – or TUE – for medical cannabis in competition, which was granted in February by the British Columbia Athletic Commission.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has delayed MMA competition, meaning the Rise Fighting Championship 6 will be the first time he competes with the exemption.
Theodorou will be fighting in and co-promoting the competition. Rise FC is an MMA organization based out of Chilliwack, B.C. The event will be a local affair held in Chilliwack at the Landing Sports Centre. Tickets go on sale Feb. 25.
Rise Fighting Championship 6 is also a continuation of Theodorou’s partnership with media company ImagineBC.
“Beyond excited to share, after months, no years, of blood, sweat and tears I will be validating my Therapeutic Use Exemption for cannabis in competition as both fighter AND co-promoter,” Theodorou shared to Instagram.
“Thank you all for your continued support throughout my journey #FightingTheStigma inside the cage & out.”
Details, such as the fight card, start times and additional content are still to come.