MMA fighter brawls with traveler at Atlanta airport: report
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The victim told police that the attacker, Charles Haywood “struck him in the face several times in addition to kicking and choking him.” (iStock)
A man believed to be a professional mixed martial arts fighter “attacked” a fellow traveler at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, after being denied a flight reportedly because he appeared on the "no-fly" list and provided no identification.
Three witnesses, including a priest, intervened in the brawl, and the alleged instigator, Charles Haywood, was arrested upon police arrival.
The confrontation between Haywood and Ivan Williams took place around 7 p.m. on Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The victim told police that Haywood “struck him in the face several times in addition to kicking and choking him.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PARENTS FORGET 5-YEAR-OLD AT GERMAN AIRPORT AFTER HOLIDAY
Haywood’s wife told the outlet that her husband is an MMA fighter who was “stressed out” before a big fight, though police have not yet confirmed the information.
Witnesses told officers Haywood threw the first punch, which was caught on camera.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The kerfuffle apparently began when Haywood learned he was not able to board his flight due to his “no-fly list” status and lack of identification, the Journal-Constitution reports. Angered, the 43-year-old Griffin man proceeded to “aggressively approach” other travelers before he “singled out” Williams, WSB-TV reports, and the two sparred.
“It took a priest and two ladies to get him away,” Williams recalled.
Upon police arrival, Haywood did not cooperate and threatened officials, the Journal-Constitution reports. One officer suffered a hand injury during the encounter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Subsequently arrested on charges of battery and obstruction, Haywood was bailed out of Clayton County Jail the next day.