Dublin, Ireland – An Irish jury has made a ruling on a case involving MMA fighter Conor McGregor and a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in 2018. The jury found McGregor guilty of assaulting the woman, identified as Nikita Hand, and ordered him to pay damages of 250,000 euros, equivalent to around $260,000. However, the jury acquitted another man, James Lawrence, of the same charges.

According to Hand’s attorneys, the assault occurred after a Christmas party in December 2018. Hand alleged that McGregor pinned her down, choked her three times, and sexually assaulted her. The case caused significant emotional distress for Hand, as she reportedly feared for her life and worried about never seeing her daughter again.

In response to the allegations, McGregor denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the encounter with Hand was consensual. Despite the jury’s verdict, McGregor has announced his intention to appeal the ruling. Hand, who works as a hair colorist and shares a hometown with McGregor, grew up in the same area in Dublin as the MMA fighter.

Prior to the legal proceedings, McGregor was set to face Michael Chandler in a UFC match scheduled for June 29, which was ultimately canceled due to a toe injury sustained by the fighter. The outcome of the trial may have significant implications for McGregor’s career in MMA and his public image.