Conor McGregor has lost an appeal in Ireland over a civil court ruling last year awarding damages to a woman who accused him of rape.

Three judges at the court of appeal in Dublin dismissed all the grounds for appeal raised by McGregor, 36.

The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleged that the martial arts fighter sexually assaulted her on 9 December 2018. A jury last November ordered McGregor to pay her nearly €250,000 (£216,000) in damages.

McGregor, 36, denied the allegation and said he had “fully consensual sex” with Hand. He also denied causing bruising to the plaintiff.

In the appeal heard earlier this month, lawyers for McGregor said the judge erred in directing