Sexual assault allegations are a tricky mess for a fighter’s career. And one would expect the same for McGregor after the recent allegations against him. But the UFC and ESPN are still dedicated to highlighting MMA’s greatest star and airing the fourth episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 31.”
So, continue reading to see why the UFC completely ignores the serious controversy following its so-called golden boy.
On “TUF 31,” which is broadcast on ESPN, McGregor is paired up as a coach with a lightweight contender and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler.
When asked if the network had considered canceling “TUF 31” in light of the assault claim against McGregor, two ESPN spokespersons refused to comment. Previously, the UFC vowed to gather further information regarding the incident and allow the legal process to pan out before any further statements.
A woman has accused McGregor of “violently” raping her on June 10 in Miami while she was watching the NBA Finals Game 4. At the Kaseya Centre, where McGregor knocked out the Miami Heat mascot, the claimed sexual assault took place in a men’s restroom.
The victim’s lawyer claimed when the two were alone in a toilet cubicle, McGregor attempted sodomy and forced her to engage in oral sex on him. Also, cell phone footage from that evening shows McGregor instructing security to block off the entrance and make a walkway before leading the woman inside, whom he had met earlier in the evening. After the claimed sexual assault, there is footage of McGregor and the complainant together at an arena bar.
Ariel Mitchell wrote that her client only seeks settlements from all three parties instead of pursuing litigation. McGregor has denied the allegation, with attorney Barbara R. Llanes calling it “no more than a shakedown.”
The UFC and ESPN may not have expected a ratings boost from McGregor’s comeback. The first episode had an average of 294,000 viewers, placing it 11th overall on cable. When “TUF 22” with McGregor as the coach aired on FS1 in 2015, it had an average audience of 622,000.
McGregor has already faced many allegations of sexual assault, including two in 2019 in Ireland in March and October of that year, one in September of that year in Corsica, which was subsequently withdrawn, and one in 2021 for an alleged 2018 event. McGregor was charged with assaulting a lady aboard a boat in Ibiza in January of this year.
However, he hasn’t faced the legalities of even one of them. So, what do you think of the most recent claims against him? Comment below to let us know!
