Ilia Topuria Slams Former Idol Conor McGregor: ‘He Represents Alcohol and Drugs, Not Sport’

Ilia Topuria Slams Former Idol Conor McGregor : ‘He Represents Alcohol and Drugs, Not Sport’El Matador’ Ilia Topuria grew up being inspired by Conor McGregor. But no longer. After being found guilty of…

Ilia Topuria Slams Former Idol Conor McGregor : ‘He Represents Alcohol and Drugs, Not Sport’

El Matador’ Ilia Topuria grew up being inspired by Conor McGregor. But no longer. After being found guilty of sexual assault, the Georgian-Spanish Topuria is leaving his idol behind. Topuria now condemns the fallen star for betraying the values that once defined him.

Ilia Topuria Slams Former Idol Conor McGregor

Ilia Topuria had an outstanding 2024. The skilled striker was able to capture the UFC featherweight crown by way of knockout against the top-ranked pound-for-pound athlete Alexander Volkanovski. In his first defense, he knocked out all-time great Max Holloway.

Max Holloway
Image via: Zuffa LLC

While he was a young man, ‘El Matador’ was inspired by Conor Mcgregor’s story. Coming from poverty and building himself into a two-division UFC champion. Recently, the Irish athlete was found guilty of sexual assault. Combined with several other accusations, as he is constantly in hot water with the law, Topuria has outgrown his hero. While working out, he explained:

“I know he’s not what he was. He is a McGregor who represents alcohol and drugs more than sport. I was inspired by Conor. He was an inspiration for me when I was young. Myself and a lot of other people I know wanted to follow in his footsteps because he was an example of faith that everything can be achieved through hard work, consistency, and effort. And he lost all of that because he betrayed the values that led him to his success.”

Topuria has publicly denounced his former idol, Conor McGregor. His former hero abandoned the principles of hard work that initially made him an icon.

Conor McGregor loses civil rape case against Nikita Hand, jury awards nearly €250k in damages
Conor McGregor loses civil rape case against Nikita Hand, jury awards nearly €250k in damages

Eddie Hearn Breaks Silence on Conor McGregor Partnership Amid Assault Case Fallout

Eddie Hearn Breaks Silence on Conor McGregor Partnership Amid Assault Case FalloutBritish boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is assessing his current partnership with Conor McGregor following the Irish megastar’s recent civil…

Eddie Hearn Breaks Silence on Conor McGregor Partnership Amid Assault Case Fallout

British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is assessing his current partnership with Conor McGregor following the Irish megastar’s recent civil suit.

Earlier this month, McGregor was found liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand at a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor never faced criminal charges for the alleged incident, but a High Court jury ruled that McGregor had raped her during the encounter in question and is forcing the UFC fighter to pay Hand more than $250,000 in damages.

Conor McGregor

While that may not seem like much for a man worth a reported $100 million, the trouble doesn’t stop there for McGregor.

After the ruling, ‘Mystic Mac’ has seen Proper No. 12 — the whiskey brand he sold to Proximo Spirits for $600 million in 2021 — drop him as a spokesman and multiple retail outlets throughout Ireland and the UK have discontinued selling products associated with McGregor, including his Forged Irish Stout.

Hearn Still assessing ongoing partnership with Conor McGregor

In recent years, Forged Irish Stout has sponsored several fighters such as Katie Taylor, Anthony Joshua, and Callum Walsh. The brand also has deals with both Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Matchroom Boxing.

Conor McGregor

However, the latter may now be in danger after Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom, revealed that he’s currently looking over all the information before deciding on the future of his partnership with McGregor.

“Got to digest all the information which is coming out thick and fast, and obviously we have a responsibility to look at all our partnerships,” Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans. “We’ll do that over the immediate future and decide as a business what we’re going to do” (h/t Essentially Sports).

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor has continued to deny the allegations levied against him and plans to appeal the court’s decision. Regardless of the result, it’s clear that the damage has already been done.

Conor McGregor

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser: ‘What Sort of Woman Are You?’

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court…

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'

Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court case in Dublin. He was found liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand in 2018. The jury ordered McGregor to pay €250,000 (approximately $260,000) in damages to Hand.

Dee Devlin Sends Message to Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser

Following the verdict, McGregor’s fiancee, Dee Devlin, took to social media to defend her partner and criticize the accuser. Devlin posted a family picture on Instagram, expressing her love and trust for McGregor, and stating that their relationship remains strong despite the allegations.

In a series of Instagram stories, Devlin made several claims about Hand. She accused Hand of sending provocative pictures to McGregor, despite knowing he was in a relationship. Devlin alleged that Hand was on a “3-day bender” during the incident, neglecting her own child. She claimed that CCTV footage exists which contradicts Hand’s account of the events. Devlin also addressed McGregor’s infidelity, stating that they had dealt with these issues privately years ago and have since become stronger as a couple.

Dee Devlin said:

“Imagine a WOMAN, with her own boyfriend and child, texting provocative pictures of herself to another woman’s man with a family and child on the way. This woman claims to know me. Yet still went ahead and sent messages and pictures of herself over and over to the man? Really? Whilst out on a 3 day bender, texting excuses to her own child at home where mammy is on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night into Monday morning.

“All the while out of her face in a hotel room, dancing around a hotel carpark. What sort of WOMAN are you!!! My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.

“CCTV DOES NOT LIE. I look forward the day the world will see the footage of you on that night and the carry on of you. Not a bother on you having the time of your life. This is the real evidence, video footage no one knew was being taken in the moment which you miraculously don’t remember?

“To me it looks like you’re the one sexually assaulting in the lift. To me it looks like everyone is trying to get away from you.

“Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are! They without sin cast the first stone.”

On the other hand, Hand expressed relief after winning the case, saying it was “a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be to speak up, you have a voice.” She thanked her support system and sent a message of encouragement to other sexual assault victims. Hundreds of women have marched in solidarity in Dublin to show support. Major retailers have removed Conor McGregor related products. Proper Twelve Whiskey and The Hitman video games series have cut ties with McGregor.

The case has generated significant controversy, with conflicting accounts from both sides. While the court found McGregor liable for the assault, he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict with the support of Dee Devlin.

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser: ‘What Sort of Woman Are You?’

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court…

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'

Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court case in Dublin. He was found liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand in 2018. The jury ordered McGregor to pay €250,000 (approximately $260,000) in damages to Hand.

Dee Devlin Sends Message to Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser

Following the verdict, McGregor’s fiancee, Dee Devlin, took to social media to defend her partner and criticize the accuser. Devlin posted a family picture on Instagram, expressing her love and trust for McGregor, and stating that their relationship remains strong despite the allegations.

In a series of Instagram stories, Devlin made several claims about Hand. She accused Hand of sending provocative pictures to McGregor, despite knowing he was in a relationship. Devlin alleged that Hand was on a “3-day bender” during the incident, neglecting her own child. She claimed that CCTV footage exists which contradicts Hand’s account of the events. Devlin also addressed McGregor’s infidelity, stating that they had dealt with these issues privately years ago and have since become stronger as a couple.

Dee Devlin said:

“Imagine a WOMAN, with her own boyfriend and child, texting provocative pictures of herself to another woman’s man with a family and child on the way. This woman claims to know me. Yet still went ahead and sent messages and pictures of herself over and over to the man? Really? Whilst out on a 3 day bender, texting excuses to her own child at home where mammy is on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night into Monday morning.

“All the while out of her face in a hotel room, dancing around a hotel carpark. What sort of WOMAN are you!!! My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.

“CCTV DOES NOT LIE. I look forward the day the world will see the footage of you on that night and the carry on of you. Not a bother on you having the time of your life. This is the real evidence, video footage no one knew was being taken in the moment which you miraculously don’t remember?

“To me it looks like you’re the one sexually assaulting in the lift. To me it looks like everyone is trying to get away from you.

“Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are! They without sin cast the first stone.”

On the other hand, Hand expressed relief after winning the case, saying it was “a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be to speak up, you have a voice.” She thanked her support system and sent a message of encouragement to other sexual assault victims. Hundreds of women have marched in solidarity in Dublin to show support. Major retailers have removed Conor McGregor related products. Proper Twelve Whiskey and The Hitman video games series have cut ties with McGregor.

The case has generated significant controversy, with conflicting accounts from both sides. While the court found McGregor liable for the assault, he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict with the support of Dee Devlin.

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser: ‘What Sort of Woman Are You?’

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court…

Dee Devlin Claps Back at Conor McGregor's Rape Accuser: 'What Sort of Woman Are You?'

Dee Devlin has come to the defense of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who recently lost a civil court case in Dublin. He was found liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand in 2018. The jury ordered McGregor to pay €250,000 (approximately $260,000) in damages to Hand.

Dee Devlin Sends Message to Conor McGregor’s Rape Accuser

Following the verdict, McGregor’s fiancee, Dee Devlin, took to social media to defend her partner and criticize the accuser. Devlin posted a family picture on Instagram, expressing her love and trust for McGregor, and stating that their relationship remains strong despite the allegations.

In a series of Instagram stories, Devlin made several claims about Hand. She accused Hand of sending provocative pictures to McGregor, despite knowing he was in a relationship. Devlin alleged that Hand was on a “3-day bender” during the incident, neglecting her own child. She claimed that CCTV footage exists which contradicts Hand’s account of the events. Devlin also addressed McGregor’s infidelity, stating that they had dealt with these issues privately years ago and have since become stronger as a couple.

Dee Devlin said:

“Imagine a WOMAN, with her own boyfriend and child, texting provocative pictures of herself to another woman’s man with a family and child on the way. This woman claims to know me. Yet still went ahead and sent messages and pictures of herself over and over to the man? Really? Whilst out on a 3 day bender, texting excuses to her own child at home where mammy is on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night into Monday morning.

“All the while out of her face in a hotel room, dancing around a hotel carpark. What sort of WOMAN are you!!! My sons will be warned women like you exist in the world.

“CCTV DOES NOT LIE. I look forward the day the world will see the footage of you on that night and the carry on of you. Not a bother on you having the time of your life. This is the real evidence, video footage no one knew was being taken in the moment which you miraculously don’t remember?

“To me it looks like you’re the one sexually assaulting in the lift. To me it looks like everyone is trying to get away from you.

“Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are! They without sin cast the first stone.”

On the other hand, Hand expressed relief after winning the case, saying it was “a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be to speak up, you have a voice.” She thanked her support system and sent a message of encouragement to other sexual assault victims. Hundreds of women have marched in solidarity in Dublin to show support. Major retailers have removed Conor McGregor related products. Proper Twelve Whiskey and The Hitman video games series have cut ties with McGregor.

The case has generated significant controversy, with conflicting accounts from both sides. While the court found McGregor liable for the assault, he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict with the support of Dee Devlin.

Proper No. Twelve Whiskey Ditches Conor McGregor Name In Light Of Sexual Assault Civil Case 

Conor McGregor’s legal turmoil continues to fuel a series of ongoing fallouts, and it seems there are no signs of it slowing down. “The Notorious” was found liable by a jury in a civil case at the Dublin High Court for the sexual assault of a woman named Nikita Hand in December 2018. He was […]

Conor McGregor’s legal turmoil continues to fuel a series of ongoing fallouts, and it seems there are no signs of it slowing down.

“The Notorious” was found liable by a jury in a civil case at the Dublin High Court for the sexual assault of a woman named Nikita Hand in December 2018. He was ordered to pay €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages to the victim.

According to a recent report by the Irish Independent, Proximo Spirits has announced that it will no longer associate McGregor’s name or likeness with any promotional material for the renowned alcoholic brand Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. This decision follows the court ruling against the Irishman.

The former two-division UFC champion launched his alcoholic beverage brand in September 2018, debuting in both Ireland and the United States. Named after the Crumlin neighborhood in Dublin 12, where he was raised, the brand quickly gained traction.

In 2021, it was revealed that McGregor and his business partners sold their majority stake in the company to Proximo Spirits, which already held a 49% share. The deal was reportedly valued at an astonishing $600 million.

Even after the takeover, Proximo Spirits continued to feature McGregor in their promotional materials on social media until today, when they severed ties.

The fallout with Proximo Spirits dealt another significant setback to McGregor’s public image, coinciding with the announcement from several major European retail chains that they would no longer carry products linked to the UFC superstar in the wake of his assault conviction.

IO Interactive, the developers behind the popular Hitman video game series, were the first to cut ties, revealing they would be halting their collaboration with McGregor. Despite his recent addition to the game, they confirmed they would be removing all content featuring the fighter in light of the civil case verdict.

Meanwhile, other businesses connected to McGregor are reportedly facing mounting pressure to sever their ties with his products.