Conor McGregor will seek to bring in new evidence as part of his appeal against a civil jury’s finding that he raped a woman.
Last November, a jury found the multi-millionaire MMA fighter raped Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel six years ago.
The Court of Appeal heard today that the former UFC World Champion wants to order a retrial of the case taken against him by Ms Hand.
Ms Hand sued McGregor for damages in the high court over an incident in the Beacon Hotel in South County Dublin in December 2018.
Nikita Hand reads a statement to press outside the High Court, after Conor McGregor was been found liable in a High Court civil case for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. 22/11/2024 Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ieThe jury found that he raped her and awarded her just under €250,000 in damages.
At a brief hearing at the Court of Appeal today, McGregor’s legal team said they were seeking an appeal both on the facts of the case and that they were looking to introduce new evidence.
Nikita Hand's solicitor said that “any alleged new evidence” would be contested.
Appeal court judge, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, said it was "one thing to say" there was going to be fresh evidence, but it would be a matter for the Court of Appeal to decide whether or not to grant leave for it to be introduced.
US President Donald Trump chats with Conor McGregor for St. Patricks day at the Oval Office of the White House. March 17, 2025 Credit: Daniel Torok/White House Photo/Alamy Live NewsJudge Noonan said the formal application to admit any new evidence will be heard on May 2nd.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal also heard today that McGregor has paid damages to Ms Hand.
McGregor was ordered to pay Ms Hand €100,000 of her €248,000 damages and €200,000 of her expected €1.3m legal costs ahead of any appeal.
McGregor was not present at today’s hearing.
Conor McGregor leaving the High Court where he faces a damages claim from a woman who says he raped her, 05-11-2024. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews
