TMZ Sports first reported that Michael Bisping is being sued by a 19-year-old after claims the UFC middleweight champion allegedly grabbed him by the throat.
The incident occurred on July 31st at a 24-Hour Fitness in Anaheim, California. According to the lawsuit and report, Bisping was angered that Antonio Georgakopoulos had taken his weights without asking during the UFC champ’s workout. Bisping went on a verbal tirade and eventually grabbed Georgakopoulos by the throat.
Anaheim Police were called but Bisping had left the scene. He did comply with authorities and there were no criminal charges filed after an investigation.
Georgakoopoulos is suing for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Payout Perspective:
If you wanted some public relations for Bisping-GSP, here’s some. This seems like a lawsuit that will ultimately be settled. Despite no criminal charges, it does not mean that the young man could not sue him in civil court, which he has done. Regardless of how small the incident might seem, grabbing someone by the throat, or even attempting to do so, is not good especially if you are a public figure and a UFC fighter. Expect a quick settlement here from Bisping. If the UFC and 24 Hour Fitness are named in the lawsuit, I would assume that the UFC would get out without paying (since Bisping is an independent contractor) and that 24 Hour Fitness may have to pay something since it did happen in their gym and should have a reasonable expectation that patrons would not choke other gym members.
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