An MMA fighter and a chef have been refused bail after appearing in court charged with a “ferocious” unprovoked attack in Dublin’s Temple Bar last week that left a man fighting for his life. They alleged the pair had been staying in a hostel in Dublin 7, and CCTV tracked them walking from Liffey Street to Cope Street on the southside. The injured man arrived at Cope Street on an e-scooter, and went to park it at a bike stand when Ricci allegedly approached him. The court heard there was a conversation, that Ricci shook hands with the man, and that they then separated. Moran alleged that Smith stamped on his face and kicked him four times in the head as he was “pinned” on the ground.

Source: The Irish Times February 23, 2026 16:53 UTC