Michael Chiesa is reportedly seeking all of Conor McGregor’s earnings from UFC 229, since he believes the UFC 223 bus attack was a publicity stunt.
UFC welterweight fighter Michael Chiesa is not done with gripes over the UFC 223 bus attack last April. Now, he is demanding for all of Conor McGregor’s earnings from UFC 229 as compensation for all the damages it had caused for those directly affected, including himself.
TMZ was able to speak to Chiesa, who is ardent in the belief that the attack was pre-meditated, given that it was used to promote the October 6th main event fight between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Chiesa also claimed to have been contacted by the UFC as a replacement for Max Holloway, who had been pulled out of the fight after being ruled medically unfit to compete.
The TUF 15 alum was then forced to decline due to the facial laceration he sustained from the attack, which he says may have caused him to lose both the opportunity to earn and possibly elevate his status as a fighter.
TMZ also claims they have gotten hold of court papers stating Chiesa intends to use what is known as the “Son of Sam” law in the the state of New York, wherein an individual is forbidden to profit from any criminal activity. Through this law, he is demanding to be given all of McGregor’s UFC 229 profits, which is said to be amounting to more than $50 million.
The TMZ report adds that the case is already in court, awaiting a judge’s ruling.
McGregor is currently facing another issue with the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the UFC 229 post-fight brawl. Both him and Khabib were granted continuance, and would not be sanctioned until the next Commission meeting on January 29th.