A representative for Nate Diaz says his client acted in self-defense during a New Orleans street fight that resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for the former UFC star.
On Tuesday, Diaz representative Zach Rosenfield issued a written statement to MMA Junkie, confirming that Diaz – through his attorney – has been in contact with authorities after the warrant was issued Monday.
“Nate’s attorney, Walter Becker, can confirm that Nate has received word of the arrest warrant, and Becker has been in contact with court authorities in New Orleans,” Rosenfield said. “Nate’s attorney looks forward to presenting all of the facts about this incident to the District Attorney, which clearly demonstrate that a trained fighter named Rodney Petersen aggressively pursued Nate with the intention of engaging him and once doing so, Nate acted entirely in self-defense.
“No further comment will be made at this time.”
Diaz was caught on video choking the man unconscious with a standing guillotine Friday on Bourbon Street after the two engaged each other in the middle of a larger melee. The man was later identified as Rodney Peterson Jr., an amateur MMA fighter and pro boxer, also known as “Not Logan Paul” on social media. In a follow-up video, Peterson showed off what appeared to be blood on the back of his head.
A video posted Tuesday by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani showed more of the brawl, which also involved Netflix star Chase DeMoor, whom Diaz was separated from at a Misfits Boxing event earlier that night. DeMoor later challenged Diaz to a fight on social media.
This is an alternate angle of the much-talked about street that happened on Friday in New Orleans. Paints a more complete picture of the madness going on. pic.twitter.com/TsvijWxTbo
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 25, 2023
Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Curtis Elmore III released the following statement Tuesday to MMA Junkie: “No arrest has been made in this case. Once an arrest is made in this matter, the case will move to the DA’s Office for review and adjudication.”
If found guilty, Diaz could face up to eight years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine, which is the penalty in Louisiana for second-degree battery.
Diaz, 38, is scheduled to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match Aug. 5 in Dallas, his first combat sports competition since his UFC departure.
