CONOR MCGREGOR may have an opportunity to revitalize his UFC career after the verdict in his civil court case.

The MMA superstar’s future in fighting remains in limbo following the recent ruling that he was found liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a hotel in Dublin back in December 2018.

Conor McGregor's fighting prospects appear to be in jeopardy

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Conor McGregor’s fighting prospects seem to be in jeopardyCredit: AP
The Irish fighter was found liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel

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The Irish fighter was found liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotelCredit: SPORSFILE
McGregor is looking to make a comeback in late 2025

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McGregor is looking to make a comeback in late 2025Credit: GETTY
Michael Chandler remains open to facing The Notorious in the cage

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Michael Chandler remains open to facing The Notorious in the cageCredit: GETTY

At 36 years old, McGregor has been accused of “raping and battering” Ms. Hand, an allegation he has vigorously denied.

The civil jury’s decision raises serious doubts about his return to the UFC, though rival Michael Chandler is still keen to face the Irishman in the ring.

In a segment on The MMA Hour, Chandler remarked: “It’s a terrible situation for everyone involved.

“The right move for him is to refocus on a shared goal.

“Why not step into the cage with me? Why not dedicate his training to prepare for me?”

Before last month’s ruling, UFC president Dana White revealed that the organization had already delayed their star’s return, which was originally set for June, to late 2025.

He commented in the UFC 309 post-fight press conference: “Conor is expected to come back at the end of 2025.

‘There’s plenty of time before a decision is made on who will face Conor.”

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What are the chances of Conor McGregor continuing his UFC career?

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor was found liable for assaulting a woman who accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel, according to a civil court jury last Friday.

The 36-year-old faced allegations of “brutally raping and battering” Nikita Hand in December 2018.

He is mandated to pay Ms. Hand 248,603.60 euros in damages.

Despite this ruling, McGregor intends to contest the decision.

His future in the MMA and UFC remains uncertain, as he has not competed in the octagon since July 2021 when he suffered a leg injury during a fight with Dustin Poirier.

Here’s what SunSport’s lead MMA reporter Chisanga Malata stated about the situation…

“This ruling, stemming from a civil court as opposed to a criminal court, presents one of the greatest challenges for the UFC in its entire history. The MMA promotion must make a significant decision concerning their star fighter.

“Personally, I believe he will return to the ring. There’s precedent for this. Just look at the former undisputed heavyweight champion who fought Jake Paul last week.

“I’m referring to Mike Tyson, who was imprisoned in the 1990s for rape. He later resumed a successful career, raking in millions before retiring in 2005.

“Unfortunately, there is a historical pattern for these situations. But now the UFC faces a crucial decision ahead. I believe he will fight again, and I anticipate they will stick to the plan discussed last week during the UFC 309 post-fight press conference and line him up for a fight late in 2025.

“They may have mentioned late 2025 to prepare for this verdict not going in McGregor’s favor, giving ample time for the situation to cool down – although such an event is unlikely to fade from memory easily.

“I genuinely believe McGregor will make a comeback unless an unexpected ruling from Dana White and all other stakeholders leads to an effective termination of their star fighter. However, that scenario seems unlikely, and I foresee him reentering the octagon by late next year.

“The UFC will need to confront important questions, and rightly so. However, the primary focus should remain on McGregor himself.”

The 55-year-old added: “Without a doubt, Conor is eager to fight. He reaches out to me frequently.

“I previously informed everyone that he was unlikely to compete in 2024, and that prediction has proven accurate.

Connor McGregor seen outside court after the verdict

“He is projected to fight in 2025, likely towards the year’s end; if it happens earlier, that would benefit everyone involved.

The former dual-weight champion, McGregor, has been ordered to compensate Ms. Hand with £206,000 ($250,000) in damages and has vowed to appeal last month’s judgment.

He seems confident about his return to the ring, stating on X: “People are eager to hear from me; I required some time. I understand I have made mistakes.

“I should never have betrayed the woman I cherish the most in this world. That’s entirely my fault.

Conor McGregor is confident in a future fight

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Conor McGregor is confident in a future fightCredit: GETTY

“I have instructed my legal team to appeal this ruling.

“I can’t undo the past, so I’ll concentrate on what lies ahead.

“I am incredibly grateful to my family, friends, and supporters around the world who have stood by me.

“That’s all I have to say. Now, it’s time to return to training – the fight world awaits!”