Since last Friday, life has taken a dramatic turn for UFC’s two-division champion Conor McGregor, who has become the focus of mainstream media. However, this time it’s not due to his sports accomplishments, but because he lost a civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman named Nikita Hand in 2021. The woman accused ‘Notorious’ of ass**lting her in a Dublin hotel in 2018, along with his associate, James Lawrence.
Earlier this month, after a two-week trial, a 12-member jury ruled against the Irishman and found him liable to pay a hefty fine of $250k. Both within the MMA world and the broader business industry, the Dubliner has faced significant backlash, with some even advocating for cancel culture. However, questions have arisen regarding potential inconsistencies in the evidence, which have sparked doubt. McGregor has publicly criticized the legal process, stating, “Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes! Deplorable what they’ve done. Nikita Hand, vicious liar!”
A major point of contention has been the decision to pursue the case as a civil matter instead of a criminal one, as criminal cases require a higher burden of proof. This choice has fueled skepticism and raised questions. Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley weighed in on the situation, discussing McGregor’s case with his co-host and coach Tim Welch on the TSS podcast episode 311.
‘Suga’ referenced one of Irishman’s well-known quotes: “When that gold belt is around my waist when my mother has a big mansion, when my girlfriend has a different car for every day of the week, my kids’ kids have anything they ever want.” O’Malley also posed the provocative question, “What if that girl is lying?”
Once a fan of Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley has since become his rival, after a fiery exchange on X. The feud began when O’Malley criticized boxer Ryan Garcia, who had been banned for using a prohibited substance. McGregor, who has a strong relationship with Garcia, quickly reminded O’Malley of his suspension by USADA for testing positive for a banned substance. O’Malley retorted, saying, “I’m changing real quick. F–k Conor. When your idol turns into your rival.” After several more back-and-forth exchanges, the two fighters ultimately put their differences aside.
Did Sean O’Malley and Conor McGregor squash their beef?
UFC star Conor McGregor, in less than a decade of his MMA career, cemented his legacy in a way that led to an array of milestones, sparking the birth of a new generation of mixed martial artists. Inspired by him, fighters from countries outside of America began making waves in the UFC, a promotion that was once dominated by American talent. The Irishman showed that fighters from other countries could make a name for themselves, with names like Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria, and the most notable, Sean O’Malley, emerging on the global stage.
Conor McGregor has often praised Sean O’Malley more than other fighters, but their relationship took a hit this summer. However, after O’Malley’s disappointing loss to Merab Dvalishvili in September, ‘Notorious’ reached out with words of encouragement. ‘Suga’ addressed McGregor’s message on the ‘Join the Lobby’ podcast, acknowledging McGregor’s significant influence on his career.
O’Malley remarked, “He [Conor McGregor] played an important role in my career. He will always be an inspiration to me at some point… Right now, I wouldn’t say he necessarily is… He has a big family now, a bunch of kids, and I hope he’s doing well.”
How do you view Sean O’Malley’s remarks on the ongoing case? With the matter currently under appeal in the Dublin High Court, do you think it’s wise for O’Malley to comment on the legal verdict? After considering all angles, what is your judgment of Conor McGregor in light of recent developments? Share your thoughts below.
The post “What if That Girl Is Lying?” – Ongoing Conor McGregor Controversy Takes a New Angle as Sean O’Malley Makes Honest Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.