When is Conor McGregor fighting next? Everything we know after UFC star’s sexual assault court case verdict
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 Dublin High Court jury found McGregor attacked her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
The jury deliberated for six hours and ten minutes before delivering their verdict. Ms Hand separately lost her case against Conor McGregor’s boyfriend, James Lawrence, who she also accused of assault at the Dublin hotel.
Speaking outside court after the decision, Ms Hand revealed the past few weeks had been a “nightmare” but said she felt right.
McGregor, 36, quickly left the court after the verdict but later released a statement on social media, revealing he would appeal the decision.
McGregor’s future in the Octagon has now been thrown into further doubt following the UFC star’s ruling in the sexual abuse lawsuit. The Irishman was due to fight Michael Chandler this year but was postponed due to the 36-year-old suffering a broken toe. So when will McGregor fight?
Conor McGregor was found liable after he was accused of assaulting Ms Hand in 2018
Speaking outside court after the decision, Ms Hand revealed the past few weeks had 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 UFC CEO Dana White have stated that the Irishman will return to the Octagon in 2025.
However, no official date or opponent has been set since the failure of his fight with Chandler.
McGregor has been vocal about his desire to get back into the sport and expressed his frustrations over his delayed return to the Octagon earlier this year.
Speaking to DAZN at Wembley Stadium ahead of Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois, the Irishman had this to say about his future: ‘We’ll see. My opponent that I had planned… it is what it is. I’ll take it on board and move on.
“My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, wherever and whenever it is. I will be one hundred percent ready.
“I have to get two fights in 2025. It is the promised land. Who knows (who the next opponent will be). It doesn’t matter. Anybody, let’s take a look. I’d like it to be Chandler. I wish him the best 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 provided more insight into when the Irishman might return following UFC 309 last weekend.
Both McGregor and UFC CEO Dana White have claimed 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
During the UFC 309 post-fight press conference, White said: “Conor will be back in late ’25.
“There’s no doubt that Conor wants to fight.
‘He hits me all the time.
“I told you he probably wouldn’t fight in 2024, but he didn’t.
“He’s going to fight in 2025, probably at the end of the year, if it’s sooner that’s good for all of us.”
Following the verdict in the sexual assault case, McGregor announced on social media that he will focus on his future after the verdict but will appeal the decision of the High Courts.
In a statement on ‘X’, McGregor said: ‘I will appeal today’s decision.
‘The judge’s instruction and the modest award awarded were for assault, not for serious or exemplary damage.
“I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all of the evidence that the DPP reviewed.
‘I am now with my family, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide