McGregor being investigated for sexual assault

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor [Courtesy]

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, four sources told the New York Times on Tuesday.

A woman claimed she was sexually assaulted in December by McGregor, who was arrested in January before being released, pending further investigation. He was not charged at that time, per the usual protocol in criminal investigations in Ireland, the Times reported.

McGregor, shortly after midnight ET on Tuesday, tweeted his retirement from mixed martial arts.

The woman alleges the assault occurred at the Beacon Hotel, located on the edge of Dublin. A source told the Times that McGregor is an occasional guest there, with the most recent visit occurring in December.

Ireland’s police service, Gardia, did not confirm McGregor as the suspect to the Times.

Earlier this month, McGregor was charged with felony strong-armed robbery and misdemeanor criminal mischief in South Florida after Miami Beach police said he smashed a fan’s phone.

McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault [Courtesy]

Early Tuesday morning, McGregor posted on his Twitter account, “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!”

On a Monday night appearance on “The Tonight Show,” McGregor told host Jimmy Fallon that he was in talks for a bout in July.

The 30-year-old lost his most recent bout to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October. He is currently serving a six-month suspension for his involvement in a post-fight fracas after that bout, but he would be available to fight again beginning April 6.

McGregor (21-4-0, 18 knockouts) has held the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight championships.

He also tweeted his retirement in April 2016 but was back in the Octagon four months later.