Conor McGregor: Remember the biggest controversies of the Irish star's career.

McGregor promotes his beverage brand. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Thenotoriousmma

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On the eve of the awaited return to the octagon, when faced Max Holloway in the main fight of UFC 329, this Saturday (11), Conor McGregor He's back in the spotlight not only for what he did inside the cage, but also for the history of controversies that marked his career. One of the biggest names in MMA history, the former champion has accumulated, over the years, episodes that include assaults, problems with the law, accusations, a civil conviction for sexual assault, and controversial statements. Let's revisit the main cases involving the Irishman.

Insults against José Aldo (2015)

Dana White had to position himself between José Aldo e Conor McGregor to avoid confusion. Photo: Reproduction

During the promotion of the fight against José AldoIn the fight for the featherweight title, McGregor adopted a strategy of constant provocations to try and destabilize the Brazilian. Besides the traditional exchanges of barbs, the Irishman was accused of crossing the line into trash talk by making comments considered offensive about Brazilian nationality and culture. Although the statements helped to increase anticipation for the fight, they drew criticism from some of the press and fans.

Accusations of racism against Floyd Mayweather (2017)

During his world tour promoting the boxing superfight against Floyd Mayweather, McGregor once again became the target of controversy due to some statements directed at the American. At one of the promotional events, he used the expression "Dance for me, boy," historically associated with racist insults against Black people in the United States. The statement provoked a strong negative reaction, although the Irishman denied any racist intent and stated that it was merely part of his strategy to promote the fight.

Attack on the UFC 223 bus (2018)

In April 2018, McGregor was involved in one of the most serious incidents of his career when he stormed into the Barclays Center in New York City following an argument involving... Khabib Nurmagomedov And Artem Lobov. Surrounded by members of his team, the Irishman threw a transport cart at a bus carrying several UFC athletes. The attack shattered the vehicle's windows, injured fighters from glass shards, and resulted in his arrest.

General brawl after defeat to Khabib (2018)

Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) stares Conor McGregor (dir.) Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC.

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A few months later, McGregor returned to the spotlight at UFC 229. After being finalized by Khabib Nurmagomedov In the lightweight title fight, the Russian jumped the octagon fence and started a fight with members of the Irishman's team. Meanwhile, members of the undefeated fighter's team invaded the octagon and exchanged blows with 'Notorious'. The brawl gained worldwide attention, led to punishments from the Nevada Athletic Commission, and became known as one of the most chaotic moments in the event's history.

Sexual assault case in Dublin ends with conviction in civil court (2018–2024)

Back in 2018, McGregor came under investigation after a woman accused him of sexual assault at a hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Although the criminal investigation was closed without charges being filed by the authorities, the complainant filed a civil lawsuit. In November 2024, a jury concluded that the former champion was civilly liable for the sexual assault and ordered him to pay compensation to the victim.

Punching an elderly man inside a pub (2019)

In August 2019, security camera footage showed McGregor assaulting an elderly man inside a pub in Dublin. The incident occurred after the man refused a shot of Proper No. Twelve whiskey, a brand owned by the fighter at the time. The images quickly went viral, generating strong public condemnation.

Speculation about the use of substances in injury recovery (2021)

Dustin poirier e Conor McGregor in front of the UFC 264. Photo: Reproduction.

After suffering a serious leg fracture during the trilogy against Dustin poirierIn 2021, McGregor reappeared months later with a much more muscular physique. The transformation raised speculation from some in the MMA community about the possible use of substances to accelerate recovery. Despite the rumors, there was never any doping punishment related to the case, and the Irishman repeatedly denied using prohibited methods.

Sexual assault accusation in Miami (2023)

In 2023, McGregor faced further accusations of sexual assault, this time related to an alleged incident during the NBA Finals in Miami. A woman claimed to have been attacked by the fighter inside the arena after the game. Authorities investigated the case but decided not to file criminal charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Subsequently, the civil lawsuit was dismissed by the complainant and also closed.

Statements on immigration in Ireland (2023–2024)

In recent years, McGregor has also gained headline attention for his political stances on social media. Several posts criticizing Ireland's immigration policies have been pointed out by opponents and authorities as speeches that could incite xenophobic sentiments. These statements have divided opinions, generated debates in the country, and further increased the former champion's public exposure outside of sports.