Nate Diaz Turns Himself in to New Orleans Police Following Arrest Warrant

Nate Diaz opted to turn himself in a few days after the New Orleans Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest.

Diaz, 38, presented himself voluntarily and was officially booked at 7:40 a.m. CT on Thursday. The Ultimate Fighting Championship alum is facing a charge of second-degree battery after taking part in a brawl in New Orleans last weekend when he was recorded chocking amateur mixed martial arts fighter and YouTube personality Rodney Petersen Jr. unconscious with a standing choke. When Diaz released the submission maneuver, the back of Petersen's head hit the pavement. On Monday, an arrest warrant was issued for Diaz, who is facing up to eight years in prison and a $2,000 fine if found guilty. Shortly after he surrendered to authorities, Diaz’s representative Zach Rosenfield released a statement.

“Nate voluntarily turned himself into the New Orleans Police Department this morning approximately at 7:10 a.m. CT. We continue to look forward to presenting all the evidence and videos that show Nate was acting in self-defense.”

According to Rosenfield, Diaz will be free to travel home today after an agreement to appear for trial was reached.

“Bond has been granted and posted with the full permission from the court to resume travel which, includes returning to Stockton (California) today. We appreciate how we were treated by the New Orleans Police Department, the court and their staff.”

Diaz (21-13) concluded his UFC contract in September, leaving the company after having piled up a 16-11 promotional record. He is attached to a boxing matchup with Jake Paul, which is scheduled in Dallas on Aug. 5. The younger brother of Nick Diaz was in New Orleans to support teammate Chris Avila, who was competing on the Misfits Boxing 6 card. During the event, the Stockton, California, native also had an altercation with reality TV star Chase DeMoor as widely-distributed videos show Diaz throwing a water bottle.