Conor McGregor to stand trial on sexual assault charge in Ireland

Conor McGregor has been away from the Octagon since 2021 (Photo: Instagram/thenotoriousmma)

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The name of Conor McGregor, one of the biggest stars in the UFC, is back in the news for reasons that go beyond the octagon. The Irishman, who is a former featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion, is facing one of the most delicate moments of his career: a trial on charges of sexual assault.

The selection of the judge and jury for the case took place this Tuesday (5), to begin a process that promises to be long and complex. The civil action, filed by a woman, accuses McGregor and another man of an incident that occurred in a hotel in Dublin, in 2018. The alleged victim seeks compensation for moral and material damages. She claims to have suffered physical and psychological abuse.

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The accusations against the fighter came to light in 2021, but the details of the case were kept confidential until then. The police investigation, which began shortly after the complaint, is based on the woman's testimony, who claims that the UFC star and a friend, James Lawrence, forced her to have sex against her will. The judge in the case, Alexander Owens, notified the 12 jurors (four men and eight women) that the trial is expected to last two weeks.

The date of the alleged crime, December 2018, coincides with a turbulent period in McGregor's personal and professional life. At the time, the Irishman was coming off a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov and was involved in several controversies outside the ring.

Will Conor McGregor still return to the UFC?

At 36, Conor McGregor is one of the highest-paid MMA fighters in the history of combat sports. With a record of 22 wins and six losses, the Irishman has won titles in two different categories in the UFC.

In his career, he faced names like José Aldo, Eddie Alvarez and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He has not played since July 2021, when he fractured his leg in front of Dustin poirier. I would make a comeback fight in front of Michael chandler No. UFC 303, in June, but had to withdraw after injuring his finger.