Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar Conor McGregor’s legal problems are now behind him, as the Irishman plead guilty to a single count of disorderly conduct on Thursday morning.
The 30-year-old’s legal team was able to negotiate a plea deal with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office that involves no jail time and no criminal record. McGregor’s travel visa, which the former two-time world champion relies on to fight on various events across the globe, will not be affected under the plea deal, either.
“I just want to say I’m thankful to the D.A. and the judge for allowing me to move forward,” McGregor told reporters outside the courthouse on Thursday. “I want to say to my friends, my family, my fans — thank you for your support.”
The disorderly conduct violation is a far cry from the initial charges set forth by the court following McGregor’s infamous bus attack in the days leading into UFC 223 back in April. A metal dolly thrown through window by “The Notorious” caused several injuries to fighters who were then forced off of the card at the last minute. McGregor and his teammates flew to New York City from Ireland to confront rival UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov, who had gotten into an altercation with close McGregor friend and confidant Artem Lobov just days earlier.
McGregor (21-3) initially faced 12 charges, including two counts of felony criminal mischief, which carries a maximum seven years in prison.
“This is a fair resolution that holds the defendant accountable, ensures restitution for the victims and requires the defendant to perform community service where he can reflect on his conduct and give back to society,” the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office said in a statement on Thursday.
McGregor is eligible to return to competition now that his criminal case is resolved. Both of his UFC belts have been relinquished and are now held by Max Holloway and Nurmagomedov in McGregor’s absence from the sport.
The UFC superstar hasn’t stepped foot into the Octagon since wresting the lightweight title from former champion Eddie Alvarez back in November 2016. A brief detour into professional boxing saw McGregor lose to legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. last August.
NEW: UFC star Conor McGregor pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct stemming from a melee at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in April. He was sentenced to community service and anger management. https://t.co/7J300zTUfs pic.twitter.com/5nmAkZ0uw5
— ABC News (@ABC) July 26, 2018