Conor McGregor’s efforts to appeal a civil sexual assault ruling have failed after a second High Court rejection. The 37-year-old former UFC star was found liable for sexual assault in November last year, with a jury ordering him to pay €248,000 ($257,000) to the woman who accused him of attacking her in a hotel room in 2018.
McGregor’s appeal, which included new testimony from the woman’s neighbor, was dismissed on all grounds. The neighbor testified that they saw the woman in a physical altercation before the incident with McGregor. However, this argument was withdrawn earlier this month.
The woman told the High Court she met McGregor at a Christmas party in Dublin in 2018 and accused him of forcing her onto a bed, choking her, and making her fear for her life. McGregor admitted to having sex with her but denied it was rough or forced.
McGregor maintains his innocence, calling the case a “shake down”. He has not competed in mixed martial arts since suffering a broken leg in 2021 and is taking steps towards returning to competition, including being drug-tested by the UFC’s mandatory testing program.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/45868880/ufc-star-conor-mcgregor-loses-appeal-civil-rape-case