Conor McGregor team files motion to dismiss Michael Chiesa lawsuit

Back in April, in the lead-up to UFC 223, former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor touched down in Brooklyn, New York and all hell broke loose. The Irish MMA star launched a frenzied attack on a shuttle bus carrying a number of UFC 223 fighters, and ultimately hurled a dolly through the bus window, injuring several of the fighters on board.

One of those fighters was Michael Chiesa, who sustained facial lacerations from the shattered glass. Chiesa’s injuries were significant enough that he was subsequently pulled from his planned UFC 223 fight with Anthony Pettis.

In the following months, Michael Chiesa and his team filed a lawsuit against McGregor, which is currently unfolding in court.

This week, the Conor McGregor side of these legal proceedings filed a motion that they hope will stop Chiesa’s case in its tracks.

Here’s how TMZ explains it:

McGregor has filed a response to Chiesa’s suit admitting his conduct was “unquestionably inappropriate,” but should not be considered “outrageous.”

So, why does that distinction matter? Because proving “outrageousness” is essential for collecting damages when it comes to intentional infliction of emotional distress.

McGregor also argues that his actions were “clearly not directed at [Chiesa] at all” — which the judge should consider in evaluating the “outrageousness” of the incident.

In his court docs, McGregor also claims Chiesa has failed to prove that he suffered any real emotional distress from the incident — noting that he’s a “seasoned combat sports fighter” … and therefore should be used to physical trauma.

The key takeaway here seems to be that the Conor McGregor team is attempting to downplay the significance of his actions. Furthermore, they’re attempting to prove that, as a battle-tested mixed martial artist, Michael Chiesa should be more than equipped to deal with an incident like this without experiencing any emotional side effects. Finally, they’re reminding that Conor McGregor was after Khabib Nurmagomedov — not Chiesa.

What do you think will come of this lawsuit between Michael Chiesa and Conor McGregor? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/3/2018.