A regretful Conor McGregor released a statement via social media on Monday maintaining his innocence after a jury ruled that he raped a woman in 2018.
Last week, McGregor lost a civil case in Dublin. The jury found McGregor liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in December 2018. Hand was awarded approximately $250,000 in damages.
McGregor stated his intentions to appeal the ruling in his statement on Monday, echoing his sentiments immediately following ruling.
“People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me,” McGregor wrote on X.
“As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision,” McGregor continued.
“I can’t go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!”
People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me.
As much as I…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 25, 2024
Following the ruling, fans and fighters reacted to the developments. On Monday, McGregor was removed from a video game and had his collaboration with the developer severed.
McGregor last competed at UFC 264 in July 2021 where he suffered a broken leg in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. He was scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler earlier this year but was forced out of the fight due to injury. He’s expected to return to the octagon in 2025.