Police in New Orleans have issued an arrest warrant for former UFC star Nate Diaz after a brawl in the city on Saturday night.
The 38-year-old faces a charge of second-degree battery after video spread on social media of Diaz apparently choking YouTube personality Rodney Petersen unconscious during a fight in the city’s popular Bourbon Street.
“After investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Nate Diaz,” a New Orleans Police Department spokesperson told ESPN. “He has been charged with second-degree battery.” The spokesperson added that Diaz was not yet in custody.
In the video, Petersen can be seen confronting Diaz as people fight around them. Diaz then gets Petersen into a chokehold before letting him drop to the ground, apparently unconscious. Police said Petersen was found “bleeding from the rear of his head”.
Petersen is known for his resemblance to another YouTube personality, Logan Paul, who has dabbled in a lucrative boxing career.
“I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz,” Petersen said in the video. “But I’m telling you what, I’m gonna knock him the fuck out when I know he’s coming. You caught me off guard, dude. What did you think I was, Logan?”
Diaz is scheduled to fight Logan Paul’s brother, Jake, another YouTuber-turned-boxer in August. Petersen has dabbled in combat sports himself and has a 1-0 record in professional boxing.
Diaz compiled a 21-13 record during his MMA career, and is known for his two fights with UFC star Conor McGregor. He has not commented on the weekend’s events.