Conor McGregor LOSES his appeal against sexual assault verdict

Conor McGregor has LOST his appeal against a High Court jury's finding that he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand.

Ms Hand, 35, launches a civil case against the former dual-weight UFC champion over allegations he “brutally raped and battered” her in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. During a three-week case at the High Court in Dublin last November, the Irishman told the court he had consensual sex with Hand - a former hairdresser.

After over six hours of deliberating, the jury found McGregor civilly liable for assault. Ms Hand was awarded £206,000 in damages - with McGregor ordered by a judge to pay £85,000. Ms Hand, 35, lost her case against James Lawrence - whom she accused of assaulting her by allegedly having sex without her consent at the same hotel.

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Since then, McGregor has sought an appeal which was initially expected to include new evidence. However, earlier this month, the Irishman's legal team withdrew a bid to introduce new evidence in his appeal against a decision in the civil case. On Thursday, the Court of Appeal gave its decision on an appeal, by the UFC fighter, dismissing it in its entirety.

Reading out the judgment on behalf of the three-judge panel, Mr Justice Brian O’Moore summarised the grounds for appeal before explaining the Court of Appeal’s reasons for dismissing all five grounds. "I find there is nothing in them justify setting aside finding of the jury. I therefore dismiss the appeal in its entirety,” he said. Ms Hand was in court for the delivery of the judgment, while Mr McGregor was not present.

When is Conor McGregor's next fight?

Recently, US President Donald Trump announced his plans to host a historic UFC event at the White House in July 2026. Following this announcement, numerous fighters expressed their eagerness to participate in the historic card, including McGregor.

The 37-year-old took to social media and posted: "Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House! I would be honoured! Count me in!!" UFC boss Dana White also appears to support the idea after McGregor shared a conversation with him.

The Irishman sent the UFC chief several voice notes, seemingly related to the proposed White House event, to which White responded: "I love it!" McGregor later reiterated his comments during a recent BKFC event, stating: "It's looking like I'm headed to the Oval Office again. That's where I'm headed next." The 37-year-old has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier back in 2021. He was due to make a stunning comeback last year against Michael Chandler, but withdrew from the contest after picking up an injury in training.