Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is expected to exchange vows with his long-time partner Dee Devlin at a historic Vatican church today according to reports from the Irish Independent.
The ceremony between the 37-year-old MMA star and Ms Devlin, 38, is set to take place at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano degli Abissini, a small church situated just behind St Peter’s Basilica on the route to the Vatican Gardens. The couple share four children and first met in 2008 then announced their engagement in August 2020 shortly before her 33rd birthday.
A source close to McGregor confirmed to the Daily Mail that the wedding will take place today and said
“the Irish reports are accurate”
.
Earlier this week Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told the Irish Independent he was not aware of any wedding arrangements involving McGregor. However according to the publication sources inside the Vatican said the church had been booked for the ceremony.
The couple’s faith has shaped their wedding plans. A source close to McGregor previously explained:
“Conor and Dee want to get married before Christmas and are planning a wedding at the Vatican in Rome. They are both staunch Catholics and it is their dream to wed there.”
The source added that while the couple
“ideally would like to marry in the Sistine Chapel but it is not allowed”
since Vatican rules prohibit weddings in that location.
“They may have to settle for the Cappella del Caro which can accommodate 100 people beside St Peter’s Basilica”
the source continued.
Ms Devlin has remained a steady presence in McGregor’s life throughout his career. The MMA star has repeatedly credited her with his success and previously stated:
“Dee is a lifesaver for me. I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for her. I’m doing all of this for her.”
He added:
“Every day since I started out in this game she’s supported me. She’d drive me to the gym and she’d listen to all my dreams.”
The wedding follows a challenging period for the couple. Ms Devlin remained publicly supportive of McGregor following last year’s High Court civil case in Dublin in which a jury found that he had assaulted Nikita Hand at a hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegation and claimed the encounter was consensual though the court rejected his account. He was ordered to pay Ms Hand €248,000 (£218,000) in damages along with high legal costs.
In July Ireland’s Supreme Court dismissed McGregor’s appeal and found he had received a fair trial.
After last year’s civil case Ms Devlin addressed the matter publicly writing:
“Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!”
Last year McGregor announced his intention to run for the presidency in Ireland. He ended his bid in September and said the decision was made following
“careful reflection and after consulting with my family”
.
