Conor McGregor withdraws evidence—and could face perjury charges

Conor McGregor is no stranger to intense battles, but this time the arena is the Court of Appeal. The former UFC champion was found civilly liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in November 2024. Now, McGregor is navigating an appeal that’s becoming increasingly tangled and high-stakes.

This week’s hearing in Dublin left observers stunned. McGregor’s legal team withdrew an evidence request that included sworn statements from two of Hand’s neighbors. They claimed to have witnessed a physical altercation between Hand and her partner just hours before her encounter with Conor McGregor.

Everyone caught off guard

The goal was clear: to suggest that Hand’s bruises weren’t caused by Conor McGregor. But due to a lack of medical backing and corroboration, McGregor’s team backed away from that line of defense.

The move surprised the judges and triggered alarm bells for Hand’s legal team. They’ve now asked the court to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate possible perjury. If it’s proven that the evidence was fabricated or manipulated, Conor McGregor could face criminal charges.

Conor McGregor’s appeal rests on three pillars

To understand the case, it’s important to know that Conor McGregor’s appeal is built on three arguments. First, the alleged confusion caused by the jury being asked whether McGregor “assaulted” Hand instead of “sexually assaulted” her. Second, the interpretation of Conor McGregor’s repeated “no comment” responses during police interviews. Third, the now-withdrawn “new evidence” that aimed to reshape the narrative.

No verdict yet for McGregor

Adding another layer, James Lawrence—McGregor’s co-defendant who was acquitted—has also filed an appeal. His complaint: the court denied him legal cost compensation. Hand’s team claims Conor McGregor paid Lawrence’s legal fees and that separating their defenses was a tactic to create the illusion of independence.

Although the hearing has concluded, there’s no set date for a final decision. What’s clear is that McGregor, outside the octagon, is still locked in a fight that won’t be won with fists—but with legal strategy.