Conor McGregor responds to sexual assault accusation reports ahead of UFC 246

Ahead of his return to the cage, Conor McGregor today responded to reports of sexual assault accusations leveled at him in 2019.

This past March, The New York Times reported McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is being investigated in his home country of Ireland for sexual assault. In mid-October, the outlet reported a second sexual assault allegation against McGregor from a different accuser.

Irish laws prevent publications from printing the names of those accused of sexual crimes, which is why they came to light in a U.S.-based outlet.

In an interview with ESPN ahead of his UFC 246 main event bout against Donald Cerrone on Saturday, McGregor was asked about the allegations and whether or not he was allowed to comment.

“Look, just no,” McGregor said. “I can’t say anything about this. It just has to take place.”

Is McGregor bothered by the accusations? When asked, the former dual champion flipped the question back where it came from.

“Would it bother you (to be accused)?” McGregor asked. “There you go. Time. Patience. Patience is a skill we must master. Patience is the most difficult skill to master, and I’m working hard to master it. So time will show all. That’s it.

“Right now, I’m focused on the belt – focused on positivity and good thoughts. And I will say a prayer for those trying to bring harm to me with these type of things. Yes, of course (I deny them). Of course. Time, please. Time will reveal all. Time will tell all. That’s it.”

UFC 246 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.