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CONOR MCGREGOR has been presented with a potential chance to rejuvenate his UFC career following the recent developments in his civil court case.
The MMA superstar’s fighting future remains ambiguous after he was recently ruled liable for assaulting a woman – Nikita Hand – in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
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McGregor, now 36, faced accusations of “raping and battering” Ms. Hand, a claim he vehemently denies.
The civil jury’s decision has raised serious questions about his potential comeback to the UFC octagon, although competitor Michael Chandler is still open to fighting the Irishman.
In a segment on The MMA Hour, he remarked: “It’s a tragic situation for everyone involved.
“The best way forward for him would be to refocus on a shared goal.
“Why not step into the ring with me? Why not dedicate your training to prepare for me?”
Before last month’s ruling, UFC president Dana White indicated that the promotion had postponed their star fighter’s return – initially planned for June – pushing it to late 2025.
He mentioned during the UFC 309 post-fight press conference: “Conor is expected to come back at the end of ’25.
“There’s sufficient time ahead before a decision is made on who will fight Conor.”
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What are the chances of Conor McGregor continuing his UFC career?
FORMER UFC champion Conor McGregor was deemed liable for assaulting a woman who also accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel, as decided by a civil court jury recently.
The 36-year-old was alleged to have “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand during an incident in December 2018.
He is now obligated to compensate Ms. Hand 248,603.60 euros in damages.
Despite this drawback, McGregor has pledged to challenge the verdict.
The Irishman’s prospects in MMA and the UFC are now in limbo. He has not stepped into the octagon since July 2021 when he sustained a leg injury in a bout against Dustin Poirier.
Here’s what SunSport’s lead MMA reporter Chisanga Malata shared regarding the current situation…
“This ruling, originating from a civil court instead of a criminal court, presents one of the biggest challenges for the UFC in its 31-year history. The MMA organization must address a critical decision about their star fighter.
“I personally believe he will fight again. There’s a history for this. Look at the former undisputed heavyweight champion who competed against Jake Paul just last week.
“I’m referring to Mike Tyson, who served time in the 1990s for rape. He returned to a lucrative career, raking in millions before retiring in 2005.
“Regrettably, historical precedents exist for situations of this nature. Nonetheless, the UFC currently faces a monumental decision. I believe he will fight again, and I expect they will adhere to the timeline shared last week at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference and schedule him for a match in late 2025.
“They may have mentioned late 2025 to prepare in advance for this verdict not favoring McGregor, providing time for the circumstances to cool down – although such an event is unlikely to be easily forgotten.
“I firmly believe McGregor will step back into the octagon unless an unexpected decision from Dana White and other stakeholders leads to his expulsion, a scenario I find unlikely, and I anticipate his return to the octagon by late next year.
“The UFC will need to address significant questions here, and rightly so. However, what matters most is McGregor’s own situation.”
The 55-year-old added: “Without a doubt, Conor has a strong desire to compete. He frequently reaches out to me.
“I had warned you that he was unlikely to fight in 2024, a prediction that has proven accurate.
Connor McGregor seen outside court after the verdict
“He is anticipated to fight in 2025, likely at the end of the year; if it’s sooner, it would serve everyone’s interests.
The former dual-division champion, McGregor, was instructed to compensate Ms. Hand with £206,000 ($250,000) in damages and intends to appeal last month’s ruling.
He seems confident about his return to the ring, stating on X: “People are eager to hear from me; I needed some time. I acknowledge my mistakes.
“I shouldn’t have betrayed the woman I cherish the most in this world. That’s entirely my fault.
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“I have directed my legal team to file an appeal against this ruling.
“I cannot change the past; instead, I will focus on the future.
“I am tremendously grateful to my family, friends, and supporters worldwide who have stood by me.
“That’s all I want to express. Now, it’s time to resume training – the fight world is calling!”
