UFC heavyweight title contender Alistair Overeem has been charged overnight with one count of misdemeanor battery, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of January 2nd at a Las Vegas nightclub, where it is claimed that Overeem “pushed or shoved a woman in the face, causing her to stagger back.”
Overeem was celebrating in Las Vegas following his knockout win over former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on December 30.
Overeem has enlisted in high profile Las Vegas attorney David Chesnoff for his Feb 21 court date, and Chesnoff told the Review-Journal that Overeem has only received a summons rather than being arrested.
He also mentioned “there are two sides to this story and we intend on vigorously defending this” and that “Alistair maintains his innocence.”
The penalty, if found guilty, on a misdemeanor battery charge is six months in the county detention centre and a fine up to USD$1,000.
Overeem is due to face champion Junior Dos Santos for the title sometime heavyweight in 2012. No date has currently been set.
turbodewd
Guest
Its a beat up and yet not a beat up.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Fixed!
ErinT
Roar Guru
I'm looking into the future! Thanks for the pick up - will get it changed. I'm hoping it will all blow over, Overeem hasn't had an easy few months given all the issues with his pre-fight tests for UFC 141.
luke20
Guest
when did Overeem become ufc champion?
Sam Brown
Roar Guru
Hopefully this has all been blown out of proportion however a charge being laid would suggest there is actually some substance to the allegations. Not a good look at all for the number one contender.