A woman who accused Conor McGregor of raping her has won her lawsuit against the former UFC champion for damages in a civil case.
Nikita Hand was awarded almost €250,000 (£210,000) in damages after a Dublin High Court jury found McGregor assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
The jury deliberated for six hours and 10 minutes before returning its verdict. Hand separately lost her lawsuit against Conor McGregor’s friend James Lawrence, whom she also accused of assaulting her at the Dublin hotel.
Following the decision, Ms Hand spoke outside court and revealed the past few weeks had been like a “nightmare” but said she felt vindicated.
McGregor, 36, quickly left the court after the verdict, but later issued a statement on social media, revealing he would appeal the decision.
McGregor’s future in the Octagon is now in further doubt following the court verdict in the UFC star’s sexual assault case; The Irishman was due to fight Michael Chandler this year but was delayed after the 36-year-old suffered a broken toe. So when will McGregor fight?
Conor McGregor found responsible after being accused of assaulting Ms Hand in 2018
Following the decision, Ms Hand spoke outside court and revealed the past few weeks had been like a “nightmare” but said she felt vindicated.
Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion’s ring return now in doubt
When is Conor McGregor’s next fight?
Both Conor McGregor and UFC CEO Dana White have stated that the Irishman will return to the octagon in 2025.
However, no official date or opponent has been written since his fight with Chandler ended.
McGregor has expressed his desire to return to the sport and expressed frustration over his delayed return to the Octagon earlier this year.
Speaking to DAZN at Wembley Stadium for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois, the Irishman had this to say about his future: “We’ll see. My scheduled opponent… is what it is. I accept it and keep rocking.
‘My job is to go to the gym and stay fit, whenever and wherever. I will be 100 percent ready.
‘I must get two fights in 2025. It is the promised land. Who knows (who will be the next opponent). It doesn’t matter. Whoever it is, let’s see. I wish it was Chandler. “I wish him the best and I’ll see where he goes.”
The former featherweight and lightweight champion last fought inside the Octagon in 2021, where he suffered a broken leg in his loss to Dustin Poirier.
UFC CEO Dana White offered more information on when the Irishman could return following UFC 309 last weekend.
Both McGregor and UFC CEO Dana White have stated that the Irishman will return in 2025.
The 36-year-old last fought inside the Octagon in 2021, where he suffered a broken leg in his loss to Dustin Poirier.
Speaking at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference, White said: “Conor is coming back late on the 25th.”
‘There is no doubt that Conor wants to fight.
“He hits me all the time.
‘I told them he probably wasn’t going to fight in 2024 and he didn’t.
“He’s going to fight in 2025, probably at the end of the year, if it’s sooner, it would be good for all of us.”
Following the verdict in the sexual assault case, McGregor took to social media to reveal that he will focus on his future following the verdict, but will appeal the High Courts decision.
In a statement published on ‘X’, McGregor said: “I will appeal today’s decision.
‘The judge’s instruction and the modest compensation awarded was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.
‘I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence reviewed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
‘Now I am with my family, focused on my future. Thanks to all my support around the world.