<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">In a court ruling that sparked a major controversy in the world of sports, especially in the field of mixed martial arts, a jury in Ireland ruled today, Friday, to convict former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor on charges of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Conor McGregor Verdict Details</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> According to Reuters, the jury reached its verdict after deliberations lasting six hours and ten minutes, as it was proven that McGregor sexually assaulted the plaintiff, Nikita Hand, during a party held in Dublin in December of that year, and the court ordered McGregor to pay financial compensation of 250 thousand euros.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The plaintiff had alleged that McGregor and another man named James Lawrence had sexually assaulted her inside a hotel room, and although the jury confirmed that McGregor had assaulted her, it acquitted Lawrence of the charges against him.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">McGregor's Defense</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> McGregor categorically denied all allegations, insisting that his relationship with the plaintiff was consensual, and denied responsibility for any physical injuries sustained by the plaintiff, suggesting that these injuries may have been caused by an accident that occurred during the party.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Case implications</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> This court ruling is a major blow to McGregor's reputation, as he is considered one of the most famous athletes in the world, and this decision may have a negative impact on his sports and professional career.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> At the verdict, Ms Hand broke down in tears and was hugged by her partner and supporters, saying the past few days had been a nightmare but she felt relieved after the verdict was pronounced. McGregor, however, remained silent as he left the court.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Separate ruling in favor of McGregor's friend</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Separately, Hand lost her civil case against McGregor's friend, James Lawrence, who had also been accused of sexual assault at the same hotel, leading to his acquittal by the court.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p>