UFC star bailed after assault charge

New York: Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has appeared in court and been released on bail after being charged with assault and criminal mischief.

The Irishman’s case was heard at Brooklyn Criminal Court, with bail set for $US50,000 (FJ$65,500).

The former two-weight champion has not yet entered a plea and his next hearing is on June 14.

He was charged by New York City Police Department (NYPD) after an incident at a UFC media day. McGregor was one of a group alleged to have vandalised a bus containing rival fighters, the Ultimate Fighting Championship said.

He turned himself into police custody on Thursday The incident occurred at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where the UFC had gathered to promote Saturday’s show, headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Max Holloway. Holloway was later ruled out of the fight because he was medically unstable.

McGregor, 29, was with fellow fighter Artem Lobov, who was due to fight featherweight Alex Caceres. McGregor, a native of Ireland, was not required to surrender his passport. McGregor and about 10 others – including 25-year-old MMA fighter Cian Cowley – attacked a bus that was carrying other fighters after Thursday’s UFC 223 media day. Videos shot with mobile phones showed McGregor throw multiple objects at the bus. McGregor, a native of Ireland, was not required to surrender his passport. Cowley, who faces similar changes for involvement in the incident, had his bail set at FJ$48,000.