Insider claims Conor McGregor's UFC career isn't "dead in the water" despite civil rape case verdict: "The president-elect is a convicted felon"

A UFC insider has reportedly asserted that Conor McGregor's octagon career isn't over despite the recent civil rape case verdict against him. The insider even drew parallels between McGregor and former POTUS (President of the United States) and current President-elect, Donald Trump.

Hairdresser Nikita Hand (aka Nikita Ni Laimhin) accused McGregor and his friend James Lawrence of sexually assaulting her at a penthouse suite at Dublin's Beacon Hotel. The alleged attack transpired on Dec. 9, 2018.

Conor McGregor and Lawrence refuted the allegations. Earlier this month, the jury reached a verdict in Dublin's civil court, finding Lawrence not guilty. They deemed McGregor liable for assault and ordered that he pay over $250k in damages to Hand.

McGregor expressed his support for Lawrence. The fighter also asserted that he'll appeal the court's decision.

Per the Daily Mail, a UFC insider has suggested that Conor McGregor is still a draw in the UFC. They added that UFC CEO Dana White would still be open to McGregor being a part of the organization's future shows.

Nevertheless, they indicated that given the charge's stigma, the UFC is temporarily going to steer clear of 'The Notorious.'

The UFC-WWE merger of 2023 was alluded to, highlighting how both organizations come under the same umbrella, TKO Group Holdings. The insider implied that former WWE head honcho Vince McMahon, who's faced various similar allegations, including the highly-publicized case by ex-employee Janel Grant, is being "shunned" by the company.

Noting that McGregor is similarly being kept away from the company, the insider stated:

"Conor's UFC career is currently on ice but not completely dead in the water."

However, the insider hinted at the various legal issues Dana White's close friend and longtime fight fan Donald Trump has faced. Recounting Trump's routine UFC appearances, including one at UFC 309 where he received a grand welcome, they said:

"But it isn't over for Conor by any means, because he could win his appeal and as we all know the UFC and Dana White has Donald Trump at their shows and are friendly with him ... The president-elect is a convicted felon and has been accused of rape and sexual assault in the past himself, but that doesn't thwart them inviting him to their shows and Dana White remaining friendly with him ... So Conor is in some hot water, but he will be able to come back eventually once the dust clears. It will just be a little longer away than originally expected."

Furthermore, White recently emphasized that Conor McGregor is likely to return in "late 2025."

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When Conor McGregor hailed Donald Trump after surviving an assassination attempt

Back in July 2024, Donald Trump was struck by a bullet to the ear during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump survived the assassination attempt, and the shooter was neutralized by the U.S. Secret Service.

Conor McGregor was booked to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 (June 29, 2024) but withdrew due to a toe injury. McGregor later tweeted his support for Trump and was joined by Chandler in a rare show of the two fighters' amiability.

McGregor implied that Trump could simply be enjoying his billionaire lifestyle but is working for his country. He added:

"God speed Donald! God bless the United States."