A woman who accused Conor McGregor of raping her has won her claim against the former UFC champion for damages in a civil case.
Nikita Hand has been awarded nearly €250,000 (£210,000) in damages after a jury at Dublin’s High Court found Mr McGregor assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
The jury were in deliberation for six hours and 10 minutes before they returned their verdicts. Ms Hand separately lost her lawsuit against Conor McGregor’s friend, James Lawrence, who she also accused of assaulting her in the Dublin hotel.
Following the decision, Ms Hand spoke outside the courts, revealing that the past few weeks have been like a ‘nightmare’ but said she felt vindicated.
McGregor, 36 made a quick exit from the court following the verdict but later released a statement on social media, revealing he would be appealing the decision.
McGregor’s future in the Octagon is now in further doubt following the legal battle, the Irishman was meant to fight Michael Chandler this year but was delayed due to the 36-year-old suffering a broken toe. So when will McGregor fight?
Conor McGregor was found liable after being accused of assaulting Ms Hand in 2018
Following the decision, Ms Hand spoke outside the courts, revealing that the past few weeks have been like a ‘nightmare’ but said she felt vindicated
The former featherweight and lightweight UFC Champion’s return to the ring is now in doubt
When is Conor McGregor’s next fight?
Both Conor McGregor and the CEO of UFC Dana White have stated that the Irishman will return to the Octagon in 2025.
However no official date or opponent has been set in stone since the breakdown of his fight with Chandler.
McGregor has been vocal over his wish to get back into the sport and voiced his frustrations 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 on his future: ‘We will see. My opponent that I had scheduled… it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on.
‘My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready.
‘I must get two fights in 2025. It’s the promised land. Who knows (who the next opponent will be). It does not matter. Whoever, let’s see. I’d like it to be Chandler. I wish him well and see where it 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 insight into when the Irishman may return following UFC 309 last weekend.
Both McGregor and UFC CEO Dana White have claimed 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 in the UFC 309 post-fight press conference White said: ‘Conor is going to come back late ’25’.
‘There is no doubt Conor wants to fight.
‘He hits me up all the time.
‘I told you guys 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 is earlier that is good for all of us.’
Following the sexual assault case verdict, McGregor took to social media to reveal he will be focusing on his future following the verdict but will be appealing the decision of the High Courts.
In a statement posted on ‘X’, McGregor said: ‘I will be appealing today’s decision.
‘The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.
‘I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed.
‘I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide
