The Guardian (USA)

Florida prosecutor­s drop charges against Conor McGregor over alleged robbery

- Staff and agencies

Prosecutor­s have dropped charges against former UFC champion Conor McGregor after he allegedly smashed a fan’s phone outside a Miami hotel. Prosecutor­s in Miami said on Monday the victim has stopped cooperatin­g with investigat­ors and has recanted his story. The Miami Herald reports the fan, Ahmed Abdirzak, dropped his civil lawsuit with McGregor after reaching a settlement. Abdirzak had been seeking $15,000 in damages.

Florida assistant state attorney Khalil Madani said that Abdirzak “has credibilit­y issues as he’s changed his previously sworn testimony.” He added, in a written summary that: “Based on the witness’s credibilit­y issues, his unwillingn­ess to respond to a subpoena and the inability of the witnesses to testify as to his subjective mindset, the State of Florida cannot prove the charges against Mr McGregor beyond a reasonable doubt.” McGregor was arrested in March over the incident. According to a lawsuit, Abdirzak and other fans were taking video of McGregor outside a hotel when the fighter allegedly punched the phone out of Abdirzak’s hand, repeatedly stamped on it and walked off with it in his pocket.

McGregor appeared to announce his retirement from mixed martial arts a few weeks after his arrest. McGregor, the former UFC featherwei­ght and lightweigh­t champion, tweeted: “Hey guys quick announceme­nt, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today.

“I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competitio­n. I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!”

The Irishman, who finishes with a 21-4 record, has not fought since October last year when he lost to lightweigh­t champion Khabib Nurmagomed­ov at UFC 229. McGregor was suspended for six months after that fight ended with brawls spreading into the crowd.

 ??  ?? Conor McGregor announced his retirement from UFC in March. Photograph: Eduardo Muñoz/Reuters
Conor McGregor announced his retirement from UFC in March. Photograph: Eduardo Muñoz/Reuters

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