Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Conor McGregor
Public opinion and media debates around Conor McGregor—discover key moments of controversy.
Conor McGregor is an Irish mixed martial artist, recognized for his achievements in the UFC. He notably held both the Featherweight and Lightweight titles simultaneously, a first in UFC history. Before his UFC career, he was also a champion in Cage Warriors, holding titles in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions. McGregor's career is highlighted by his accomplishments in two major MMA organizations, making him a well-known figure in the sport.
2009: Probation Act for Assault Causing Harm
In 2009, Conor McGregor received the Probation Act when he was an apprentice plumber for an assault causing harm offence, which was revealed during his court appearance on 11 October 2019 for the pub assault incident on 6 April 2019.
2015: Accusations of Racially Taunting José Aldo
In 2015, ahead of his bout with Brazilian fighter José Aldo, Conor McGregor was accused of racially taunting Aldo, marking a controversy in his career.
March 2016: Scuffle with Nate Diaz
In March 2016, specifically on March 3, McGregor and Nate Diaz engaged in a brief scuffle during a face-off at the pre-fight press conference, after McGregor landed a strike on Diaz's lead hand.
2016: Alleged Exchange of Nude Pictures
In 2016, Azealia Banks claimed that she and McGregor exchanged unsolicited nude pictures as far back as this year.
November 2017: Guilty Plea for Speeding in Rathcoole
In November 2017, Conor McGregor pleaded guilty to exceeding the speed limit in Rathcoole, County Dublin, and was fined €400, marking a challenge in his personal life.
November 2017: Cage Incident at Bellator 187
In November 2017, at Bellator 187 in Dublin, Conor McGregor jumped the cage to celebrate his teammate Charlie Ward's win, leading to a confrontation with referee Marc Goddard and an incident where he checked on and knocked down the downed John Redmond. He was not a licensed cornerman at the event.
2017: Accusations of Racism Against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
In 2017, Conor McGregor was accused of racism after taunting boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. ahead of their August 26 boxing match. McGregor told him to "Dance for me, boy," at a promotional event, sparking controversy.
April 2018: Attack on UFC 223 Bus at Barclays Center
In April 2018, Conor McGregor and a group attacked a bus carrying UFC 223 fighters, including Rose Namajunas and Michael Chiesa, at the Barclays Center in New York. McGregor threw a metal equipment dolly at the bus's window, injuring Chiesa and Ray Borg, leading to their removal from the card. This incident was in retaliation to an altercation between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Artem Lobov. Lobov was also removed from his fight for his involvement in the dispute.
April 2018: Arrest and Charges for Barclays Center Bus Attack
In April 2018, Conor McGregor was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief after attacking a bus carrying UFC fighters at the Barclays Center. He was later charged with menacing and reckless endangerment at his arraignment and was released on $50,000 bail.
April 2018: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Entourage Cornered Artem Lobov
In April 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov and his entourage cornered and slapped Artem Lobov, a close associate of Conor McGregor, at a hotel in Brooklyn, New York. This event contributed to the escalating tensions between McGregor and Nurmagomedov.
June 2018: Release on Bail
In June 2018, Conor McGregor was released on $50,000 bail until June 14, 2018, after being charged with assault and criminal mischief for his involvement in the April 2018 bus attack at the Barclays Center. Under the bail conditions, he was allowed to travel without restriction.
September 2018: Lawsuit Filed by Michael Chiesa
In September 2018, Michael Chiesa announced a lawsuit against Conor McGregor, claiming that he "experienced pain, suffering and a loss of enjoyment of life" as a result of the April 2018 bus attack at the Barclays Center.
October 2018: Post-Fight Brawl at UFC 229
Following the fight at UFC 229 on 6 October 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped out of the cage and charged towards Conor McGregor's training partner Dillon Danis. Soon afterwards, McGregor and Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, also attempted to exit the octagon, but a scuffle broke out after McGregor punched Abubakar, who then punched him back. Nurmagomedov's payment for the fight was withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) pending an investigation.
October 2018: NSAC Complaint and Payout Withholding
In October 2018, following the UFC 229 brawl, the NSAC filed a formal complaint against both Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. On 24 October, the NSAC voted to release half of Nurmagomedov's $2 million fight payout immediately.
November 2018: Guilty Plea and Driving Disqualification for Speeding in Kill
In November 2018, Conor McGregor pleaded guilty to speeding in Kill, County Kildare, and was fined €1,000 and disqualified from driving for six months, indicating a recurring challenge in his personal life.
December 2018: Sexual Assault Allegations
In December 2018, McGregor was under investigation by the Garda Síochána (police) following allegations of a sexual assault on a woman in a Dublin hotel.
December 2018: Alleged Violent Assault and Rape
In December 2018, Nikita Hand alleged that McGregor violently beat and raped her in Dublin.
December 2018: NSAC Hearing for UFC 229 Brawl
In December 2018, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) held an official hearing regarding the brawl that occurred after the UFC 229 fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
December 2018: Dublin Court Case and Assault
In a 2024 Dublin court case, McGregor was found to have assaulted and raped a woman in December 2018.
2018: Prior Convictions
In 2018, Conor McGregor had 18 prior convictions, mostly for driving offences, which were revealed during his court appearance on 11 October 2019 for the pub assault incident on 6 April 2019.
2018: Assault and Rape Allegations
In 2018, Conor McGregor was accused of assault and rape, which led to a civil case that was ruled against him in November 2024.
2018: Alleged Sexual Assault
In 2018, McGregor was allegedly involved in a sexual assault, which led to later legal proceedings.
January 2019: NSAC Suspension and Fine
On 29 January 2019, the NSAC announced a six-month suspension for Conor McGregor (retroactive to 6 October 2018) and a $50,000 fine for his role in the brawl after the UFC 229 fight. He became eligible to compete again on 6 April 2019.
March 2019: Arrest for Attacking a Fan in Miami Beach
In March 2019, Conor McGregor was arrested outside of the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, after he attacked a fan taking a picture with a cellphone. He was charged with strong-armed robbery and criminal mischief but was later released on a $5,000 bond. He also faced a civil lawsuit, which was later dropped after an out-of-court settlement.
March 2019: Investigation Reported by The New York Times
In March 2019, The New York Times reported that McGregor was under investigation by the Garda Síochána (police), following allegations of a sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
April 2019: Assault at the Marble Arch Pub
On April 6, 2019, Conor McGregor assaulted a man at the Marble Arch pub.
August 2019: Video Release of Pub Assault
On 15 August 2019, TMZ Sports published a video showing Conor McGregor punching an older man at The Marble Arch Pub in Dublin on 6 April 2019. The incident, originally reported by Irish media, led to a police investigation and charges against McGregor.
October 2019: Second Sexual Assault Allegation
In October 2019, a second allegation of sexual assault was reported, regarding an assault on a woman in a car, alleged to have taken place earlier that month.
October 2019: Court Appearance for Pub Assault
On 11 October 2019, Conor McGregor first appeared in court on assault charges related to the incident at The Marble Arch Pub in Dublin on 6 April 2019. The court heard that McGregor had 18 prior convictions going back to 2009.
September 2020: Arrest in Corsica
On 10 September 2020, McGregor was arrested on the French island of Corsica on suspicion of attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure for an incident in a bar. He was released without charge after two days, and the investigation was later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
January 2021: Civil Claim Launched
In January 2021, after prosecutors declined to prosecute McGregor for the 2018 alleged sexual assault, a civil claim for damages was launched in the High Court. McGregor's spokeswoman rejected the allegations.
October 2021: Alleged Assault in Rome Nightclub
On 17 October 2021, Conor McGregor allegedly assaulted Francesco Facchinetti, an Italian musician and TV presenter, in a nightclub in Rome, breaking Facchinetti's nose. Facchinetti filed charges against McGregor for the attack a few days later.
2021: Whiskey deal conducted
In 2021, McGregor's whiskey deal was conducted with a value of $600 million, which led to a later lawsuit in November 2022.
March 2022: Pre-Trial Discovery Order
In March 2022, the High Court made a pre-trial discovery order against McGregor, requiring the Gardaí to disclose certain information and documents gathered by them in relation to the alleged 2018 sexual assault.
March 2022: Arrest and Charges for Driving Offences in Dublin
On 22 March 2022, Conor McGregor was arrested in Dublin and charged with six driving offences, including two counts of dangerous driving, being uninsured, having no license and failing to produce his documents. His car was seized by the Irish police and he was later released on bail, marking a significant legal challenge. His car was returned to him.
April 2022: Scheduled Court Appearance for Driving Offences
In April 2022, Conor McGregor was scheduled to appear before Blanchardstown district court in relation to his arrest on 22 March 2022 for six driving offences. If convicted, he could face a fine of up to €5,000, six months' imprisonment, or both, representing a significant legal challenge.
June 2022: Court Appearance and Remand for Dangerous Driving Prosecution
In June 2022, Conor McGregor appeared in Blanchardstown District Court in relation to the events of 22 March 2022 and was remanded on continuing bail pending "further charges" as part of a dangerous driving prosecution. He had not yet indicated a plea and was scheduled to appear on 8 September 2022.
July 2022: Alleged Assault on Yacht
In July 2022, McGregor was accused of assaulting a woman aboard his yacht in Ibiza, Spain, during his birthday party. The woman claimed she was berated and physically assaulted, forcing her to jump from the yacht, resulting in a broken arm.
August 2022: Artem Lobov alleges McGregor initially wanted to create vodka
In August 2022, Artem Lobov alleged in an interview that Conor McGregor initially intended to create a vodka product, but Lobov pitched the idea of doing a whiskey instead. Lobov claimed he did the background study and conducted business deals for the whiskey product.
September 2022: Additional Charge and Court Remand
On 8 September 2022, Conor McGregor was charged with an additional charge of careless driving, adding to the six charges he already faced over the incident on 22 March 2022. The judge remanded him to appear at a later date.
November 2022: Lobov Sues McGregor
In late November 2022, news emerged that Artem Lobov had sued Conor McGregor, seeking five percent of the proceeds from a $600 million deal conducted in 2021.
2022: Black Forge Inn Targeted by Petrol Bombs
In 2022, the Black Forge Inn, owned by Conor McGregor, was targeted by petrol bombs.
January 2023: Trial Postponement Due to Illness
In January 2023, Conor McGregor's trial, originally set to begin then, was postponed to 31 July 2024 after his defense argued that he could not attend due to being unwell, relating to the charges from the 22 March 2022 incident.
January 2023: Accusations of Assault and Formal Statement
In January 2023, McGregor was accused of assaulting a 42-year-old woman on his yacht during his birthday party in July 2022. The woman gave a formal statement to Irish police, who shared it with Spanish authorities, alleging beratement and physical assault. The woman's car was later burned outside her home.
January 2023: Lobov's Defamation Lawsuit Denied
In January 2023, the defamation, intimidation, and harassment lawsuit filed by Artem Lobov against Conor McGregor was denied by the judge, and Lobov was ordered to pay the legal fees.
February 2023: Lawsuit Discontinued
In February 2023, it was reported that a brick was thrown through a window of the woman's residence. Later in February 2023, news surfaced that the lawsuit filed against McGregor regarding the yacht incident was discontinued by the plaintiff.
June 9, 2023: Alleged Sexual Assault at NBA Finals
On June 9, 2023, McGregor allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in a bathroom at the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami Heat, during an NBA Finals game. The plaintiff claims that McGregor "intentionally engaged in unlawful sexual contact", attempted to force oral and anal sex, and that arena staff were negligent.
June 2023: NBA Finals Skit Incident
On 10 June 2023, McGregor appeared at Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami, Florida, to promote his pain relief spray and punched the Miami Heat's mascot, Burnie (Heat dancer Chris Brown), twice during the planned skit, sending him to the hospital. On 13 June, McGregor claimed it was a skit and "all is well".
June 2023: Sexual Assault Allegation at NBA Finals
On 11 June 2023, Miami police received a report that McGregor had sexually assaulted a woman the previous night in a toilet at the Miami Heat arena, after Game Four of the NBA Finals. McGregor denied the allegation, and on 18 October, the case was dropped.
November 2023: Anti-Immigration Statements and Investigation
In November 2023, following a stabbing in Dublin, McGregor made anti-immigration statements on social media, leading to a criminal probe into incitement to hatred. He also called for the perpetrator to be "tortured and killed".
2023: Controversial Comments
In 2023, Conor McGregor's comments on the Dublin riots and immigration policy in Ireland sparked controversy.
June 2024: Attack on Hand's Partner and Home
In June 2024, after the trial involving Nikita Hand, her partner was stabbed, and their home was invaded by attackers wearing balaclavas who smashed windows. This information was withheld from the jury during the trial.
July 2024: Driving Ban and Suspended Sentence
In July 2024, Conor McGregor received a two-year driving ban and a five-month suspended sentence, on condition that he keeps the peace for two years, in relation to the driving offences from 22 March 2022.
November 2024: Irish High Court Ruling
In November 2024, the Irish High Court ruled in a civil case that Conor McGregor had assaulted and raped a woman in 2018, ordering him to pay over €248,000 in damages.
November 2024: Trial Verdict and Damages Ordered
On 5 November 2024, the trial began in the High Court in Dublin, with Mr. Justice Alexander Owens as judge. On 22 November 2024, the jury found that McGregor had raped Hand and ordered him to pay her nearly €250,000 in damages.
December 2024: Order to Pay Legal Costs
In December 2024, Conor McGregor was ordered to pay the victim's legal costs, amounting to approximately €1,500,000.
December 2024: Legal Costs and Contempt of Court Warning
On 5 December 2024, Justice Owens ordered McGregor to pay approximately €1,500,000 in legal costs and warned that he may begin contempt of court proceedings against McGregor for his social media comments about the case after it concluded.
2024: Failed Drug Test Disclosures
In 2024, Conor McGregor failed to disclose his whereabouts for drug testing on three occasions, leading to an eighteen-month suspension that was announced on October 7, 2025.
2024: Advertising Standards Authority upholds complaints about Forged Irish Stout
In 2024, the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland upheld complaints about the sexualised nature of Forged Irish Stout's advertising.
2024: Sponsorship Losses and Product Delisting
In light of a 2024 Dublin court case, McGregor lost his first sponsor, IO Interactive. Retailers like Musgrave, SuperValu, Costcutter, Centra, Carry Out, Tesco, Ocado, Wetherspoons, Asda, and BWG Group delisted McGregor-linked drinks. Irish airports in Cork and Dublin also pulled McGregor-related alcohol products from their airport bars.
2024: Removal of McGregor's Name and Image
In the aftermath of a 2024 Dublin court case, in which McGregor was found to have assaulted and raped a woman in December 2018, Proximo Spirits announced it would no longer use McGregor's name or image on the drink Proper No. Twelve whiskey.
January 15, 2025: Lawsuit Filed for Sexual Assault
On January 15, 2025, a lawsuit was filed against McGregor in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, accusing him of sexual assault during an NBA Finals game in Miami on June 9, 2023. The suit names the Miami Heat and arena staff as defendants, alleging gross negligence.
March 2025: Presidential Election Candidacy
In March 2025, Conor McGregor announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the 2025 Irish presidential election and expressed views deemed anti-immigration, far-right, and national populist. He withdrew from the election on September 14.
March 2025: No Charges for Incitement
In March 2025, it was announced that McGregor would not be charged for incitement following his social media statements in November 2023.
March 2025: White House Visit and Presidential Announcement
On 17 March 2025, McGregor visited the White House in Washington DC at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump for a Saint Patrick's Day event and claimed that Ireland was "on the cusp of losing its Irishness" due to an "illegal immigration racket." He also announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the 2025 Irish presidential election.
July 2025: Azealia Banks Accusations
In July 2025, Azealia Banks accused McGregor of sending her unsolicited dick pics on X. However, she later stated they had been exchanging unsolicited nude pictures since 2016.
July 2025: Appeal Loss
In July 2025, Conor McGregor lost an appeal on the 2024 civil court verdict.
July 2025: Appeal Loss and Perjury Consideration
In July 2025, McGregor withdrew his application to bring in new witnesses and evidence in his appeal against the rape finding. On 31 July, McGregor lost his appeal, and the original ruling was upheld. Hand's legal team is seeking damages from McGregor and the witnesses, and the court is considering perjury charges.
October 7, 2025: Suspension for Failed Drug Test Disclosures
On October 7, 2025, it was announced that Conor McGregor received an eighteen-month suspension, retroactive to 2024, due to failing to disclose his whereabouts for drug testing on three occasions. He will be eligible to compete again in March 2026.
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