Video: Conor McGregor negotiating plea deal on assault case, issues statement

Thursday morning in Brooklyn, New York, Conor McGregor appeared at a courthouse along with his teammate Cian Crowley and their legal team. Both Irish fighters are facing assault charges stemming from an April incident prior to UFC 223.

The session was very brief, with McGregor’s team informing the court that they plan to negotiate a plea deal. The next appearance was then set for July 26, where they are expected to enter the actual plea.

McGregor issued a statement to the assembled media outside the courthouse shortly after.

“I regret my actions that led to today,” he said. “I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful this will get worked out. Thank you.”

Dana White has mentioned his desire to book the Irishman with current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. But as McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar told MMA Fighting, they will not discuss any fight-related plans until these legal matters are resolved.

“Today we’re here to focus on court, we’re not going to focus on any future plans until we handle this matter,” Attar said. ”Right now we’re in good negotiations with the district attorney, so we’re going to focus on that and we’ll focus on the future later.”