Ex-UFC Star Nate Diaz Won’t Face Charges for Role in New Orleans Street Brawl

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship star Nate Diaz will not be charged for his role in a brawl on Bourbon Street in New Orleans this past April.

Diaz, who voluntarily turned himself in to police, was arrested on a charge of second-degree battery after videos surfaced of the fighter choking social media influencer Rodney Peterson unconscious during what police described as a “large altercation” on the 400 block of Bourbon Street. In the video, Diaz is seen applying a standing choke and throwing a knee to the midsection fof Peterson, who is known for his resemblance to Logan Paul. Peterson eventually is rendered unconscious as Diaz drops him to the street. Diaz was in New Orleans to attend a Misfits Boxing event.

Diaz representative Zach Rosenfield released a statement to ESPN on Monday announcing that the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office has dropped all charges against the popular UFC veteran.

"Since Rodney Peterson sought out to fight Nate on Bourbon Street, we have maintained Nate's actions were 100 percent in self defense," the statement read. "It was clear on the video, clear in pictures and clear from the multiple other videos Rodney posted before and after.

"Nate has a right to defend himself against those who want to make a name for themselves and did so. We appreciate the Orleans Parish District Attorney taking the time to review all aspects of this case and their decision to not proceed with it.”

The case did not prevent Diaz from continuing his combat sports career, as he lost a unanimous decision to Jake Paul in a boxing match on Aug. 5. The Stockton, Calif., native left the UFC as a free agent following a victory over Tony Ferguson in September 2022. Diaz hasn’t ruled out a return to the Las Vegas-based promotion and was recently spotted in attendance at the Noche UFC Event on Sept. 16.