Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor appeared at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday as a woman accused him of sexual assault in a civil damages case.

The complainant, Nikita Ni Laimhin, alleges that McGregor and another man sexually assaulted her in 2018, seeking compensation for the trauma she says she endured.

During the trial, John Gordon, Ni Laimhin’s lawyer, detailed the alleged encounter. He claimed McGregor picked up Ni Laimhin and her friend after a night out and took them to a penthouse in Dublin’s Beacon Hotel. He claimed that once there, McGregor assaulted Ni Laimhin despite his objections.

McGregor’s legal team, however, denies the allegations and maintains that any interaction was consensual and that Ni Laimhin’s claim constitutes attempted extortion.

The court heard graphic details of the alleged assault, with Gordon shown evidence including images of bruises on Ni Laimhin’s wrists and hands. Gordon described her as “terrified” during the encounter, which he said went far beyond a consensual activity.

McGregor, widely known for his aggressive fighting style and public persona, allegedly drew parallels between the encounter and an Octagon fight, according to testimony.

McGregor’s defense argues that Ni Laimhin, who openly admitted to drinking and using drugs on the night of the incident, had several opportunities to express his concerns or ask for help, but did not do so. They insist the interaction was consensual and claim she is seeking financial gain.

The high-profile case, which is expected to last two weeks, will ultimately depend on the jury’s interpretation of the facts based on the testimony and evidence presented.

The case has attracted significant public attention as McGregor, one of Ireland’s most famous athletes, faces a legal challenge that could further affect his public image and career.