This interview first appeared in the Sports Edition of Fat Nugs Magazine, released May 2024.
At the end of 2023, the UFC made national news when they announced cannabis was officially off the list of banned substances for professional fighters. Not only did this pave the way for greater acceptance of cannabis for professional athletes, it also opened a new door for sponsorships for fighters.
Cannabis brand Gelato (best known for its infused ice cream cone bites) wasted no time in partnering with fighter Gilbert Urbina, the RGV Bad Boy. Fat Nugs Magazine sat down with Gilbert to explore how cannabis has impacted his fighting career and what a professional cannabis sponsorship means to him.
An Interview with UFC Fighter Gilbert Urbina
How has your cannabis use benefited your UFC career?
Getting past certain anxieties. We all go through things mentally and physically and I carry that anxiety with me. I fight in a cage for a living and I put my body and my mind on the line. Some people get anxiety with cannabis but for me it’s the other way around. It helps me remember what I’m doing and stay focused.
When did you start consuming cannabis?
I started in 2014 when I started my professional fight career in South Florida. I moved into a 3-bedroom house with 8 people. Everyone did martial arts and loved cannabis- you get beat up so bad, you’re looking for relief. Now that I know about the anti-inflammatory properties of THC and CBD, I’m taking that rather than ibuprofen or other pills
How would your UFC career be different without cannabis?
It would be a lot different. Maybe I would have found another outlet, like drinking. A lot of fighters drink. I don’t like to drink but I’d be looking for something else to take the edge off. Cannabis keeps me sane and relaxed. It does its job for what I need: I can burn one and stay focused, I can burn one and turn on some music and get amped up. Cannabis enhances the way I feel. Things would be a lot different for me without cannabis, especially without Gelato.
Do you feel that cannabis gives a competitive advantage?
Yeah, as far as competitive advantage, I think the open-mindedness of using cannabis. I can watch my opponent’s films and not be a hater, I can appreciate his skills. Cannabis gives me another viewpoint.
What do you want other athletes to know about cannabis?
The stigma that’s been around for years was a reason to keep it away. Now that it’s being brought to light, people are using more cannabis for many reasons. Open your mind to the research and there’s a lot that cannabis can do for you, like rest. Rest is one thing most people are deprived of, and cannabis can help so much with that
What does it mean to you to get a sponsorship from a cannabis company?
It’s something that I’ve always been looking for. A lot of MMA use cannabis and use cannabis daily and to have Gelato have my back means I can focus on other things than getting bud. It’s very safe to use and I’m medicating smartly.
Are you proud to partner with Gelato?
Yes. They’re like a giant family. Everyone is important in their company. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a team where you’re taken care of.
What’s your favorite way to consume?
Lately it’s been edibles to help me sleep. My favorite is Gelato Rainbow Sherbert – THC dominant 100 mg
