The Dublin Circuit Civil Court has formally dismissed the civil rape case against UFC superstar Conor McGregor, bringing to a close legal proceedings that had cast a shadow over the fighter's recent comeback plans.
McGregor's long-term partner Dee Devlin, who has remained notably silent throughout the allegations, made her first public appearance since the case emerged, standing by the fighter's side as the legal matter reached its conclusion.
Courtroom Resolution
Legal representatives for both parties confirmed to Judge John O'Connor that the case brought by Nikita Hand had been "resolved" and could be struck out. The resolution comes after months of legal wrangling and intense media scrutiny surrounding the allegations.
McGregor, dressed in a sharp navy suit, appeared composed during the brief court hearing. The 35-year-old fighter attended alongside his legal team, marking a significant moment in the proceedings that had threatened to derail his much-anticipated return to the octagon.
Devlin's Silent Support
Dee Devlin's presence in court spoke volumes about her stance on the matter. The mother of McGregor's four children has maintained her relationship with the fighter throughout the legal battle, though she had avoided public commentary on the allegations.
Her appearance alongside McGregor in court represents the first time she has been visibly present during any proceedings related to the case, signalling her continued support for the MMA champion.
Background of the Case
The civil suit had been filed by Nikita Hand, who alleged incidents occurring during the NBA Finals in Miami in June 2023. McGregor had consistently denied all allegations through his legal representatives, maintaining his innocence throughout the process.
The resolution of the case removes a significant obstacle for McGregor's fighting career, which has seen multiple delays in his planned return to UFC competition. The Irish fighter hasn't competed since suffering a leg break during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Future Implications
With the legal cloud lifted, attention now turns to McGregor's professional future. UFC president Dana White had previously indicated that McGregor's return was contingent on various factors, including the resolution of his legal matters.
The dismissal of the case potentially clears the path for McGregor's long-awaited comeback fight, though no official announcement has been made regarding his next opponent or fight date.
Both McGregor and Devlin left the courthouse without commenting to waiting media, bringing a close to a chapter that has dominated headlines in both sports and celebrity news circles for months.
