Despite being found guilty in civil court of sexual assault, the Irish fighter Conor McGregor seems to still have a future within the UFC, according to recent statements from the president of the organization, Dana White.
This announcement comes after the verdict of an Irish court forcing McGregor to pay compensation of 250,000 euros to his accuser. Nikita handwho accused him of rape in a hotel in December 2018.
Last Friday, after six hours of deliberations, a jury determined that McGregor must compensate Hand, who She claimed she was “brutally raped and beaten” by the fighter in a Dublin hotel.. McGregor, 36, has denied the facts, saying the relationship was consensual and denying causing the injuries presented by the plaintiff.
As the verdict was read, McGregor shook his head in disapproval, while Hand cried and received support from his family and partner. Outside of court, The woman described the trial as “a nightmare”.although she said she felt vindicated.
For his part, McGregor expressed on social networks his intention to appeal the court’s decision. In a post that was later deleted, he said: “I am disappointed with the verdict. I will appeal the decision. “I’m focused on my future.” He then called Hand a “heartless liar” and reiterated his stance in another post.
Conor McGregor arrives in court to be charged with raping a woman in 2018.
Reuters
An uncertain future
Despite the conviction and controversy surrounding the case, Dana WhiteUFC president, confirmed that McGregor will return to the octagon “late 2025”.
In a press conference after the UFC 309 event, White said: “Conor wants to fight. He contacts me constantly. I told them he probably won’t fight in 2024, and he won’t. But he will be back in 2025. probably at the end of the year, but if it is earlier, it will be better for everyone.
According to a source cited by Daily MailMcGregor’s return is not completely ruled out due to his ability to generate audiences. “Conor remains a crowd-puller, but the UFC, as part of the same umbrella as WWE, has decided to keep him at arm’s length while the stigma of this accusation persists. However, all is not lost for him; with time, he could come back,” the informant explained.
Desde su última pelea en julio de 2021, cuando perdió ante Dustin Poirier, McGregor ha expresado repetidamente su deseo de regresar a la competición. Durante un evento de boxeo en Wembley este año, el irlandés declaró a Dazn: “Debo tener dos peleas en 2025. Es la tierra prometida. No importa quién sea mi oponente, aunque me gustaría que fuera [Michael] Chandler.”
McGregor was frustrated by delays in his return, but insisted he would stay fit and ready when the opportunity presented itself.
A continuing controversy
McGregor’s case has not only shaken the world of mixed martial arts, but also raised questions about how organizations like the UFC handle situations of this nature.
Although Irish prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges due to the accuser’s alcohol and drug use, the civil trial was enough for the jury to find against her.
Hand’s lawyer, John Gordon, argued that his client was under the influence of antidepressants and other substances during the alleged attack, something McGregor has vigorously denied. The fighter’s defense questioned the veracity of the accusations and the consistency of the testimonies presented.
Meanwhile, McGregor’s fans and critics are divided. Some see his return as an opportunity to redeem himself, while others believe allowing him to return would damage the UFC’s reputation.
Conor McGregor’s future within the UFC remains uncertain, but Dana White’s statements suggest that the fighter still has a reserved place in the organization, as long as legal and social conditions allow.
However, the path to his return will be marked by public attention and the legal challenges he still faces. Daily Mail He emphasizes that, even if his career seems to be on pause, “it is not completely over”.
