Conor McGregor has lost his $8 million settlement from Manny Pacquiao after a court ruling.

MMA star Conor McGregor has received some bad news from boxing legend Manny Pacquiao after a US court ruled to cancel the nearly $8 million settlement that McGregor was due to receive.

Court rules in favor of Filipino boxer

It all started when McGregor and his sports management company Paradigm Sports Management signed a contract with Pacquiao, promising to organize an exhibition match between the two fighters.

To execute the deal, Paradigm paid Pacquiao $3 million in advance, hoping to create a match similar to the famous confrontation between McGregor and Floyd Mayweather in 2017, which earned McGregor $145 million.

However, Pacquiao never fought under Paradigm’s management. This led McGregor’s company to sue Pacquiao in a California court last year, and initially, the jury ruled in McGregor’s favor, ordering Pacquiao to pay nearly $8 million in compensation, including legal fees.

But according to the new court ruling, Pacquiao did not need to fight McGregor to still receive $3 million from the previous settlement fee. The Filipino boxer also successfully “shrugs off” by not having to pay McGregor’s side $8 million.

“Pac Man” turns the tables

This week, the appeals court overturned the previous ruling, declaring that the contract between Paradigm and Pacquiao was invalid because McGregor’s company did not have a boxing management license from the California State Athletic Commission at the time of signing the contract.

Judge Walter P. Schwarm said the contract was “unlawful and unenforceable,” resulting in Paradigm losing its right to seek compensation.

Pacquiao’s attorney, Jason Aniel, said: “This decision overturns the jury’s verdict of May 2023. We thank the court for its time and effort in resolving these legal issues. Mr. Pacquiao also thanks his fans for their patience during this process.”

McGregor’s side remains silent after court ruling

Conor McGregor, who is also a major shareholder in Paradigm, has yet to publicly respond to the new ruling. However, this is not the only lawsuit “The Notorious” is facing.

McGregor is next in court in Ireland after former close friend and training partner Artem Lobov sued him over a promise of a share of a whisky business, a project Lobov claims he initiated.

McGregor, who sold a 51% stake in the project for $600 million, continues to face major challenges, not only in the ring but also in real life.