Conor McGregor UFC Bus Attack

Overview

Conor McGregor UFC Bus Attack refers to a violent altercation in which mixed martial artist Conor McGregor and a group of associates attacked a bus at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York during an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) media event. McGregor is believed to have been looking to confront UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov over a dispute with rival Artem Lobov.

Background

On April 3rd, 2018, the MMAnytt.se YouTube channel uploaded footage of mixed martial artists Khabib Nurmagomedov and Artem Lobov engaged in a hostile confrontation with each other in a hallway (shown below).

That day, TMZ^[1] published video of the attack in an article titled "Conor McGregor Window-Smashin Bus Attack Insane Video." Alternate angles of the attack were subsequently uploaded to the TMZ YouTube channel. In the footage, McGregor can be seen throwing a metal equipment dolly at the bus, shattering a side window. Glass from the window reportedly injured UFC fighter Michael Chiesa, who was sent to the hospital for treatment.

Developments

Following the incident, McGregor and the other assailants fled the scene. That evening, McGregor turned himself in at the NYPD's 78th precinct in Brooklyn, where he was charged with one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of criminal mischief.

Dana White's Response

Following the incident, UFC President Dana White was interviewed by ESPN, during which he described the attack as "the most disgusting thing that has ever happened in the history of the company" (shown below).

Online Reaction

On April 5th, posts about the incident reached the front page of various subreddits, including /r/MMA,^[2] /r/news^[3] and /r/OutOfTheLoop.^[4] Meanwhile, a Twitter Moments^[4] page titled "Conor McGregor charged with assault after incident at UFC 223 media day" was created, highlighting various tweets reacting to news of the incident.

Guilty Plea

On July 26th, McGregor pleaded guilty to a single count of disorderly conduct. The plea was entered as part of a deal with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. As part of the deal, McGregor agreed to five days of community service, must pay for damages as a result of the incident, which McGregor has since paid, and an anger management program that may last one to three days. He will not serve any any jail time, and the incident will not be on his record.^[5]

In a statement, McGregor said (video below), "I just want to say I'm thankful to the DA and the judge for allowing me to move forward. I want to say to my friends, my family, my fans -- thank you for your support."

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office said in a statement, "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."

Search Interest

External References