Conor McGregor’s appeal against a High Court ruling that found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand has been unsuccessful. Hand, 35, filed a civil case accusing the former UFC champion of sexual assault in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. McGregor claimed the encounter was consensual during the court proceedings in Dublin last November.
Following the jury’s decision after six hours of deliberation, McGregor was held civilly responsible for the assault, and Hand was awarded £206,000 in damages, with McGregor ordered to pay £85,000. Hand’s separate case against James Lawrence, whom she accused of assault at the same hotel, did not succeed.
Despite initially planning to introduce new evidence in his appeal, McGregor’s legal team withdrew this request earlier this month. The Court of Appeal recently dismissed McGregor’s appeal entirely, with the three-judge panel led by Mr. Justice Brian O’Moore stating that the grounds for appeal did not warrant overturning the jury’s findings. Hand expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the importance of survivors speaking out for justice.
In a separate development, Donald Trump announced plans to host a UFC event at the White House in July 2026, garnering interest from fighters, including McGregor. The Irish fighter welcomed the idea on social media, expressing his willingness to participate. UFC President Dana White also showed enthusiasm for the event after discussions with McGregor, hinting at a potential White House appearance for the fighter.
McGregor, who last fought in 2021 against Dustin Poirier, mentioned a potential comeback but had to withdraw from a fight with Michael Chandler due to an injury. His future in the ring remains uncertain as he looks forward to potential opportunities, including the proposed historic UFC event at the White House.
