Diaz Escapes Criminal Prosecution Following Battery Charge

In the MMA latest updates, Nate Diaz has escaped criminal charges following an altercation with Rodney Petersen earlier this year.

Peterson, for his part, is known for being a Logan Paul look-alike with a following on TikTok. He butted heads with Diaz during an altercation following a Misfits boxing event.

https://twitter.com/Jidion6/status/1649681275475640320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1649681275475640320%7Ctwgr%5E728124d0dbfced2755767ce384d7dac73c17edca%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightsports.tv%2Fnate-diazs-viral-chokehold-has-people-talking-sue-him%2F

A video showed Diaz getting Peterson in a chokehold as the latter went unconscious. In response, Diaz turned himself into the authorities as he was charged with second-degree battery by the New Orleans Police Department.

Thereafter, Diaz could have faced 8 years in jail or a fine of $2,000. The MMA fighter did argue self-defense via his attorney, Zach Rosenfield.

Diaz’s Defense

The New Orelans Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Nate Diaz on a charge of second-degree battery, per @MMAFightingSM pic.twitter.com/kukzKpfjN2

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 24, 2023

“Nate’s attorney looks forward to presenting all of the facts about this incident to the District Attorney, which clearly demonstrates 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,” Zach Rosenfield

The case had threatened to disrupt Diaz’s boxing fight with Jake Paul on August 5th, 2023. So much so that even KSI was being considered as an alternative. In response, Paul and KSI were open to facing each other if Diaz was not able to make it into the fight.

“Well, if that mean Jake won’t have an opponent in August…Then I’ll gladly come as the replacement after I KO Joe Fournier in May,” KSI said 

“Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. Fight is at 185. There are no rehydration clauses. Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed. Thanks buddy for being so humble and committed,” Paul stated 

However, the fight went ahead without any problems. Nevertheless, the performance did not go as planned. Diaz lost via a unanimous-decision, which included being knocked down in the fifth round.

Diaz Cleared

Although Diaz did lose, Paul offered the MMA fighter a $10 million offer to run things back in the cage. Although nothing has been agreed in that regard, the fact that Diaz is not going to face any punishment will allow him to pursue that fight later down the line.

“Since Rodney Peterson sought out to fight Nate on Bourbon Street, we have maintained Nate’s actions were 100 percent in self defense. 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,” Rosenfield stated

Diaz is at the age of 38, with not too much time left to pursue the biggest fights. But with more time on his hands, he has a choice between boxing and MMA. And that can only improve his chances of securing the most lucrative fights.