'People want nothing to do with him': How Ireland turned away from Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor, once a celebrated figure in the world of mixed martial arts, is now facing significant backlash from the public in Ireland. Recently, a jury in Dublin found him guilty of sexual assault in a civil case brought by Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her at a hotel in December 2018. The jury awarded her nearly €250,000 in damages, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the community. Following the verdict, many retailers swiftly removed products associated with McGregor from their shelves, and various brands announced they would no longer collaborate with him. In a post on social media, McGregor expressed his intention to appeal the jury's decision, but the damage to his reputation appears to be substantial. This incident is not an isolated one; McGregor has faced numerous legal troubles over the years. In 2018, he was arrested in New York for throwing a metal dolly at a bus carrying UFC fighters, and the following year, he was fined for punching a man in a Dublin pub after the man declined his invitation for a drink. While McGregor was once viewed as a trailblazer in the sport, many commentators believe that support for him has been waning, especially after the recent civil case. Within a week of the verdict, hundreds of supermarkets in both the UK and Ireland removed products linked to him. Proximo Spirits, the company that acquired McGregor's Proper No Twelve whiskey brand in 2021, announced it would no longer use his name or image in its marketing. Additionally, IO Interactive, the creators of the Hitman video game series, stated they would cease their collaboration with McGregor in light of the court ruling. McGregor built his brand on his Irish pride and bold personality, but the controversies surrounding him have alienated many former supporters. Petesy Carroll, an MMA journalist, acknowledges that while McGregor and his team played a significant role in popularizing MMA in Ireland, they have also contributed to its decline as a sport. The future of McGregor's career remains uncertain after this civil case. McGregor's journey to fame has often been described as a rags-to-riches story. He made his UFC debut in 2013, defeating Marcus Brimage and earning a knockout of the night bonus. In a press conference following the fight, he expressed that it was the best moment of his life, having gone from living on social welfare to earning a substantial bonus. Carroll notes that the money changed McGregor's life dramatically, leading to a shift in how people treated him. As he continued to win fights and gain fame, McGregor's behavior began to change. In 2015, he won the interim featherweight championship, and later that year, he defeated José Aldo to claim the featherweight title. However, his first loss came in 2016 against Nate Diaz, although he later avenged that defeat in a record-breaking rematch. McGregor's fame reached new heights, and he was even named Sportsperson of the Year at the RTÉ Sport Awards. However, this recognition was met with mixed feelings, as some believed he was more of a celebrity than a true athlete. As McGregor's career progressed, he began to show a different side of himself. After stepping away from the UFC in 2017 to pursue a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, he became a spectacle rather than a serious competitor. The fight with Mayweather was a massive event, but McGregor lost in the tenth round. Since then, he has not fought again, but he has indicated that he is preparing for a return. Many believe that McGregor has lost his way and that he no longer listens to those who try to guide him. Following the verdict, Nikita Hand spoke to the media, encouraging other victims of sexual assault to continue fighting for justice. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre reported a significant increase in calls after the verdict, indicating that the case has resonated with many. The case has sparked important conversations in Ireland about how sexual assault victims are treated and perceived. In response to the court ruling, a gym in Galway decided to paint over a mural of McGregor that had been on display since 2016. The gym's owner stated that McGregor is no longer a role model for the public, and many people are distancing themselves from him. The fallout from this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the importance of accountability.