Conor McGregor’s appeal against a High Court jury’s decision that he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand has been denied. Hand, 35, filed a civil case against the former UFC champion, accusing him of rape and assault at a hotel. The jury found McGregor liable for assault after deliberating for over six hours, awarding Hand £206,000 in damages, with McGregor ordered to pay £85,000. Hand also lost a case against James Lawrence in the same incident.
McGregor had sought an appeal, initially intending to present new evidence. However, his legal team withdrew this bid, and the Court of Appeal has now rejected his appeal entirely. The judgment was read by Mr. Justice Brian O’Moore, who stated that there were no grounds to set aside the jury’s findings.
Hand expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the impact of the appeal on her. She encouraged other survivors to speak out and seek justice. When asked for a message to McGregor, she declined.
In other news, US President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC event at the White House in July 2026. McGregor showed interest in participating, expressing his excitement on social media. UFC President Dana White seemed supportive of the idea, with McGregor hinting at a potential return to the ring. McGregor has been out of action since his loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021 and missed a fight against Michael Chandler due to an injury.