Conor McGregor Receives UFC Opportunity Days After Suggesting Return to Fighting Amid Civil Court Assault Case Verdict
CONOR MCGREGOR has received a possible opportunity to revive his UFC career following the outcome of his civil court case.
The MMA icon’s fighting prospects remain uncertain after he was recently determined to have assaulted a woman – Nikita Hand – in a Dublin hotel back in December 2018.
5
5
5
5
McGregor, aged 36, was accused of “raping and battering” Ms. Hand, a claim he has strongly denied.
The civil jury’s verdict has cast significant doubt over his potential return to the UFC cage, although rival Michael Chandler remains willing to welcome the Irishman back for a fight.
During a segment on The MMA Hour, he commented: “It’s a terrible situation for everyone involved.
“The best course of action for him is to refocus on a common objective.
“Why not step into the ring with me? Why not dedicate training to prepare for me?”
Before last month’s verdict, UFC president Dana White mentioned that the promotion had already postponed their star fighter’s return – originally set for June – until late 2025.
He stated in the UFC 309 post-fight press briefing: “Conor is slated to make a comeback at the end of ’25.
‘There’s ample time before a decision is made regarding who will compete against Conor.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
What are the chances of Conor McGregor continuing his UFC career?
FORMER UFC champion Conor McGregor was found liable for assaulting a woman who accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel, as determined by a civil court jury last Friday.
The 36-year-old was alleged to have “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand in December 2018.
He is now required to pay Ms. Hand 248,603.60 euros in damages.
Despite this setback, McGregor has vowed to contest the decision.
The Irishman’s future in MMA and UFC is now uncertain. He has not fought in the octagon since July 2021 when he suffered a leg injury while being halted by Dustin Poirier.
Here’s what SunSport’s lead MMA reporter Chisanga Malata shared about the circumstances…
“This ruling, which came from a civil court rather than a criminal court, has generated one of the biggest challenges for the UFC in its 31-year history. The MMA organization will need to confront a major decision regarding their star fighter.
“Personally, I believe he will fight again. There’s a precedent for this. Look at the former undisputed heavyweight champion who fought Jake Paul last week.
“Indeed, I refer to Mike Tyson, who was incarcerated in the 1990s for rape. He returned to a successful career, earning millions before retiring in 2005.
“Regrettably, there is a historical precedent for such situations. Nevertheless, the UFC is now faced with a significant decision to make. I hold the belief he will compete again, and I anticipate they will adhere to the plan announced last week at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference and schedule him for a fight late in 2025.
“They may have cited late 2025 in anticipation of this ruling not favoring McGregor, allowing some time for the situation to settle – though such an event is unlikely to be forgotten easily.
“I sincerely believe McGregor will return to the octagon unless a surprising determination from Dana White and all the stakeholders leads to them effectively terminating their star fighter. However, that scenario seems improbable, and I foresee him re-entering the octagon by late next year.
“The UFC will need to address pertinent questions, and rightfully so. However, more importantly, the focus should be on McGregor himself.”
The 55-year-old added: “Without a doubt, Conor has a desire to fight. He reaches out to me regularly.
“I had previously informed you that he wasn’t likely to compete in 2024, and that prediction came to pass.
“He is expected to fight in 2025, likely at the end of the year; if it’s earlier, that would benefit everyone involved.
The former dual-division champion, McGregor, was ordered to compensate Ms. Hand with £206,000 ($250,000) in damages and has committed to appealing last month’s ruling.
He appears assured of his return to the ring, stating on X: “People are eager to hear from me; I needed some time. I recognize I’ve made errors.
“I shouldn’t have betrayed the woman I cherish the most in this world. That’s entirely on me.
5
“I have instructed my legal team to appeal this verdict.
“I cannot reverse the past and will instead focus on the future.
“I am immensely thankful to my family, friends, and supporters around the globe who have stood by me.
“That’s all I have to say. Now, it’s time to get back to training – the fight world awaits!”