Police: Ex-UFC fighter urinated on Vegas casino floor, punched security

Las Vegas Sun
 
Police: Ex-UFC fighter urinated on Vegas casino floor, punched security
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Mixed martial arts fighter Anthony Rocco Martin was arrested over the weekend after punching a security guard in the throat who confronted him about urinating in the hallway of a Las Vegas Strip property, according to a Metro Police arrest report.

Martin, 31, was arrested on one count of battery and one count of lewd conduct in a public place, both misdemeanors, after police were called to Caesars Palace at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, police said. Security manager Nathan Wilson told officers Martin was seen by a passerby urinating in the hallway on the casino floor.

Security, including Wilson, located Martin standing at the bottom of the forum elevators and asked him to leave the property, to which he refused, according to the arrest report. Martin refused to show identification and began to threaten security guards.

Wilson told Martin he was in danger of trespassing and advised Martin to leave, police said. Wilson then put his hand up and asked Martin to step back, Martin punched Wilson in the throat, and was subsequently taken to the floor and placed in restraints.

Police arrived and were shown security footage of Martin unzipping his jeans and urinating in a corner, as well as when he punched Wilson, according to the report. Martin was then transferred into police custody. Martin, who is white, told police he was being racially profiled and was wrongfully arrested.

Martin was released on his own recognizance later Saturday, according to Las Vegas Justice Court records. A status check is scheduled for Jan. 19, and he has retained Nicholas Woolridge to represent him, according to court records.

Martin, a Palos Heights, Illinois, native fights out of Boston and is 17-6-0 professionally. The 6-foot, 170-pound welterweight last fought June 6, 2020, when he lost to Neil Magny in a unanimous decision.

He announced his departure from the UFC last year after nearly seven years with the promotion.