Conor McGregor Silent When Asked About Sexual Assault Investigations

When asked whether the investigations, one of which has been ongoing for more than a year, had ever jeopardized McGregor’s ability to compete in Saturday night’s bout with Cerrone, White simply replied, “No.”

In the time since McGregor’s loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in that most recent bout, which ignited a ringside melee, McGregor has been beset by legal problems, including the two investigations of sexual assault allegations and a fine after pleading guilty to punching a man in a pub. At one point, McGregor also announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, only to return months later. It was the second time he had retired and come back.

McGregor, 31, has not been charged in either of the sexual assault cases, and the existence of the investigations does not imply that McGregor is guilty of any crime.

Through a publicist, McGregor has denied all accusations of sexual assault.

The U.F.C. has incorporated some of McGregor’s arrests into its marketing strategy for the comeback fight against Cerrone. A preview show that aired before Wednesday’s news conference included footage of McGregor punching the bar patron, and of the former champion throwing a dolly through the window of a bus containing Nurmagomedov and other fighters. McGregor pleaded guilty to assault in that incident.

At the news conference, McGregor did respond to a general question about his legal issues. “I’ve done nothing wrong here,” he said.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/sports/conor-mcgregor-ufc-246.html?emc=rss&partner=rss