An arrest warrant has been issued to Nathan Diaz after video showed the former UFC star choking out an individual on the streets of New Orleans. Diaz’s representatives claim that he was defending himself.
Diaz is being charged with second-degree battery after a video from Bourbon Street Saturday night showed Diaz use a standing guillotine choke to put the individual to sleep. Diaz then laid the unconscious man to the ground.
Diaz was in New Orleans to support training partner Chris Avila as he participated in a Misfits of Boxing event Saturday night. Video inside the venue showed Diaz get into an altercation with reality television star Chase DeMoor in which Diaz threw a water bottle.
Diaz’s manager relayed a message from the fighter’s legal counsel.
“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.”
Since the incident, numerous MMA reporters have been touting Petersen’s MMA/BJJ background to bolster a mutual combat/self-defense defense to mitigate the battery charges.
Diaz is being charged with second-degree battery which is considered a felony in Louisiana. While jail time of up to 8 years is possible it’s unlikely in this case.
Payout Perspective:
Don’t expect Diaz to serve any time although a fine may be issued. It’s the civil lawsuit with which Diaz is likely worried about and that is why Petersen’s combat sports background helps Diaz eventual defense of the incident. The video will be telling as it does not look like Petersen wanted to fight Diaz unless he attempted to grapple the BJJ black belt which would seem like utter stupidity. Diaz did attempt to throw a knee once he had Petersen in a choke which may be a concern.
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