Former UFC welterweight Antony Rocco Martin has been hit with misdemeanour battery and lewd/discreditable conduct charges following an incident this past Saturday at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Martin, a 15-fight UFC veteran who fought out his contract earlier this year, was arrested at roughly 1:30 AM local time in Las Vegas. Police had been called to the site after security officers received a report from a guest at the casino regarding Martin urinating in a hallway.
MMA Fighting was first to report news of the incident, which was later confirmed by Cageside Press with the Las Vegas Justice Court.
After being approached by security officers, Martin refused to comply with an order to leave the premises, and instead reportedly became irate, allegedly threatening the officers. Martin also refused to show his identification.
After being advised that he could be faced with a trespassing charge, Martin was again ordered to leave by a security manager, Nathan Wilson. Instead, Martin continued to be “in his face,” according to the incident report, and later is alleged to have punched Martin in the throat.
Security officers then detained Martin until he was arrested by Las Vegas police following a review of security footage as Caesar’s Palace. Martin denied wrongdoing after his arrest, claiming he was racially profiled.
The fighter was released from custody a short time after his arrest, and is scheduled to return to court on January 19, 2022.
Anthony Rocco Martin (17-6) last fought in June of 2020, losing a unanimous decision against Neil Magny at UFC 250. Now 31-years old, he posted a record of 9-6 inside the octagon, including wins over Jake Matthews and Ramazan Emeev.
