Conor McGregor’s Troubled Timeline Since 2017

Conor McGregor burst onto the global stage after his 2017 crossover win over Floyd Mayweather, but the shine has faded amid a string of legal and safety incidents. The Irish fighter now faces a mounting record of arrests, suspensions, and civil judgments that have kept him in headlines far more than his UFC performances. As McGregor gears up for a UFC comeback, the question on fans’ minds is whether his personal conduct can finally get back on track.

The 2018 Bus Brawl with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Just days after Khabib Nurmagomedov confronted McGregor’s training partner Artem Lobov, the Irish star led a mob of more than a dozen men to the Barclays Center loading dock in Brooklyn. They targeted the bus carrying Khabib and several other fighters, and McGregor is seen on video smashing the vehicle’s window with a steel dolly, injuring multiple occupants. He initially faced three misdemeanor assault counts and a criminal mischief charge, but a plea bargain later reduced the case to a single disorderly‑conduct offense. UFC veteran Al Iaquinta later recalled the chaos: “No one knew what was going on… and then we saw Conor running, and we were like, ‘Oh, all right.’” The incident earned a notorious quote from the UFC community calling it “the most disgusting thing that has ever happened in the history of the company.”

Six‑Month Suspension and $50,000 Fine

Following a separate post‑fight scuffle at the Oct. 6, 2018, contest against Khabib, McGregor received a six‑month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission and a $50,000 penalty. The dispute escalated after Khabib climbed the cage and attacked one of McGregor’s assistants, prompting a larger brawl that involved McGregor himself. The Nevada commission’s decision highlighted a pattern of escalating hostility between the two fighters that extended beyond the octagon.

Miami Fan’s Phone Smashing (2019)

In early 2019, McGregor was arrested in Miami on charges of robbery and criminal mischief after he allegedly grabbed a fan’s phone and stomped on it. Video captured the fan attempting to film McGregor when the fighter intervened, crushing the device. The victim later dropped the criminal charges two months after the incident, ending the legal action without a conviction. The episode underscored McGregor’s tendency to react aggressively when fans sought to document his public appearances.

Dublin Pub Assault (2019)

August 2019 saw McGregor charged with assaulting a man inside a Dublin pub, a complaint that resulted in a guilty plea to assault. He received only a fine for the offense, and later went on to purchase the same bar where the altercation occurred. The purchase of the venue added a peculiar twist, turning a site of legal trouble into a personal asset.

Corsica Sexual‑Assault Investigation (2020)

McGregor’s troubles expanded to France in September 2020 when he was detained on the island of Corsica on suspicion of sexual assault and indecent exposure. Authorities released him two days later without filing any charges, leaving the investigation open but inconclusive. The episode added another layer to a growing list of controversial encounters abroad.

Red‑Carpet Clash with Machine Gun Kelly (2021)

At the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, McGregor confronted rapper Machine Gun Kelly on the red carpet, lunging at the artist and apparently throwing a beverage in his direction. McGregor later denied any intent to fight, claiming he did not even know the rapper beyond noting he was “with Megan Fox.” In a statement, McGregor said, “Nothing happened with me. I only fight real fighters. People that actually fight. I certainly don’t fight little Vanilla Ice white rappers.” The incident was dismissed as a misunderstanding but reinforced his reputation for hot‑headed behavior at high‑profile events.

Ireland Driving Offenses and 2024 Conviction (2022‑2024)

Early 2022 brought six driving‑related charges in Ireland, leading to the seizure of his Bentley. The case lingered until 2024, when McGregor received a five‑month suspended jail sentence and a two‑year driving ban. Because he has remained clear of further legal trouble in Ireland, the suspended portion has not been activated, sparing him actual incarceration. The penalty highlighted ongoing concerns about his conduct on the roads.

Alleged Yacht Assault in Ibiza (2023)

A woman claimed in early 2023 that she was physically attacked and threatened by McGregor on a yacht in Ibiza, alleging that she broke her arm while jumping overboard to escape. The civil suit was filed several months after the incident, but she opted to drop the case one month later, ending the legal pursuit. The episode added to a pattern of high‑profile altercations occurring during leisure trips.

Miami Heat Mascot Punch During NBA Finals (2023)

During an NBA Finals game in 2023, McGregor joined a skit with the Miami Heat’s “Burnie” mascot, but the routine took a violent turn when he delivered an unsolicited punch to the performer. The man inside the costume was hospitalized, though he avoided lasting injury. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra later joked about the incident, noting the masked man “is tough… he take a punch and get back up.” The moment became a bizarre highlight of the Finals, drawing criticism for undermining entertainment safety.

Sexual‑Assault Claim at the Same Finals Game (2023)

A separate civil claim emerged shortly after the mascot incident, accusing McGregor of aggressively kissing a woman in a bathroom at the NBA Finals venue. McGregor denied the allegation, but the complainant filed a lawsuit that remained pending. The suit was ultimately dismissed in late 2025, leaving the accusations unresolved but cleared from the courts.

2024 Irish Civil Verdict for 2018 Assault

In a civil case that wound through Irish courts, McGregor was found liable for a 2018 sexual assault that took place in a hotel room. Although no criminal charges were ever pursued, the civil judgment required him to pay $257,000 to the complainant. The ruling reinforced earlier allegations from the bus‑brawl era and added a financial penalty to his growing list of legal setbacks.

As McGregor prepares for his next UFC appearance, the cumulative effect of these incidents continues to shape public perception. Each episode—from the early bus confrontation to the most recent civil verdict—demonstrates a recurring pattern of impulsive behavior that overshadows his athletic achievements. Whether his return marks a turning point or merely a new chapter in an ongoing saga remains an open question for fans and analysts alike.