UFC champ tears into Conor McGregor after sex assault verdict

Zane Simon

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Publish Date: 11/23/2024

UFC star Conor McGregor is once again back in headlines for all the worst reasons.

The SBG Ireland fighter has been found liable in a civil suit brought against him for sexual assault. Gardai were unwilling to bring criminal charges against McGregor. However, a jury found the fighter responsible for injury and hardship suffered by his victim, Nikita Hand, in Dublin High Court on November 22nd. McGregor was ordered to pay Hand nearly a quarter million euro as a result of the trial. The fighter has since taken to social media claiming he will appeal the decision.

Islam Makhachev has message for Conor McGregor

With Conor McGregor's extreme fame and influence in the MMA sphere most fighters haven't commented on his trial. At least one high profile fighter took the jury's verdict as an opportunity to fire a few shots, however. UFC champion Islam Makhachev was unreserved in his criticism of the 'Notorious' Irishman's behavior.

"It was a matter of time till this filthy bastard be exposed," Makhachev wrote. "Alcoholic, drug junkie + rapist. Many more facts to come out, trust me!"

McGregor admits drug use

With McGregor's Proper 12 whiskey business and his pub ownership fans had no reason to doubt the fighter enjoys a drink or two. Drug use, however, was a much more speculative assumption. Rumors that McGregor regularly abused cocaine have followed the fighter for years, including videos that have long raised fan suspicions.

Jake Gyllenhaal & Conor McGregor ROAD HOUSE Interview | Sports Illustrated

While the fighter may still contest the natural of his encounter with Hand, during the trial he did admit to cocaine use. A recent report from the BBC on the trail states that Conor McGregor responded "correct" when asked if had used cocaine alongside Hand on the night of the assault.

Ties to organized crime

Outside of his latest case, McGregor's interactions with the criminal courts have been largely limited to smaller scale crimes. He's faced numerous cases of assault and driving offenses. However, the fighter also has notable ties to organized crime, namely through the Kinahan cartel. The fighter's sister, Aoife McGregor has been in a well publicized relationship with Kinahan gang member Graham Whelan. Likewise McGregor was once photographed with notorious, slain gangster David Byrne, as well as David's nephew Lee Byrne, son of noted Kinahan gangster Liam Byrne. A large group of Irish organized crime figures, Including David Byrne, flew to Las Vegas to watch McGregor's title winning bout with Jose Aldo cageside at UFC 194.

Back in 2017 rumors surfaced that McGregor was feuding with the Kinehan Cartel. Potentially even leading to an attempted bombing of his Black Forge Inn pub. McGregor appeared to play up the quarrel for publicity, although the two parties seemed to settle any disagreement quickly and amicably.