Conor McGregor has expressed regret, but it appears it's not towards the alleged victim who accused him of rape.
On Friday, a jury in a civil case in Dublin, Ireland, ruled that former UFC Feather sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in his hotel penthouse on December 9, 2018, after a night of heavy partying. weight and lightweight champions were found guilty.
In comments posted to X on Monday, McGregor maintained his innocence and said he wanted to appeal the jury's decision to award Hand about $257,000 in damages.
McGregor, 36, also expressed regret for his unfaithfulness to his fiancée, Dee Devlin, with whom he has four children: Conor Jr., Chloe, Leanne and Mac.
“I needed time because people want to hear my opinion. I know I made a mistake.” McGregor wrote. “Six years ago, I should never have answered her call. I should have quit the party. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love most in the world. It's all my fault. I'm sorry. Everything that happened that night was consensual, and all witnesses who were present swore so. I have instructed my legal team to appeal this decision. I can't, so I'll move on.
“I'm so grateful to my family, friends, and supporters around the world for always being there for me. That's it. No more. Back in the gym – the fight game awaits!”
Ms Hand claimed Mr McGregor “brutally raped and assaulted” her, then strangled her and threatened her life, leaving her severely bruised after the incident.
“He let me go. I remember saying I was sorry. I felt like I had done something wrong so I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again.” I wanted to reassure him,” Hand said in her testimony.
However, Mr McGregor disputed that he did not force the alleged victim and insisted that the sex was consensual.
Since Friday's jury decision, McGregor has taken a hit from IO Interactive's “Hitman” video game series, leading to his character being removed from the game.
The UFC and its CEO Dana White have so far remained silent about the situation. McGregor has not appeared in a league match since July 2021, when he lost to Dustin Poirier and broke his leg in the process.
He was scheduled to return at UFC 303 in June, but suffered a broken toe during training and was forced to withdraw.
