Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has told of his regret for a backstage melee at a New York arena, and is in plea negotiations to resolve charges in the case.

READ MORE: Watch as an apparently drunk Conor McGregor busts some moves in a Glasgow club

The 29-year-old Irish fighter and co-defendant Cian Cowley remain free on bail after a brief court appearance.

Assistant district attorney Janet Gleeson said the case has not been presented to a grand jury for possible indictment because of the plea negotiations, signalling interest from all sides in resolving the matter swiftly.

The men marched into court in tight blue suits, and passed a gallery packed with reporters and other defendants waiting for their hearings. They stood and said little during the appearance.

“I regret my actions that led me here today,” McGregor said outside court afterwards. “I understand the seriousness of this matter and I’m hopeful to get it resolved soon.”

READ MORE: Watch as an apparently drunk Conor McGregor busts some moves in a Glasgow club

Video footage showed McGregor hurling a trolley at a bus full of fighters after a press conference for UFC 223 at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn in April.

Fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg were injured by shattered glass and unable to compete.

McGregor cheered the 25-year-old Cowley on Saturday as he fought in Belfast, and they flew to the US together on a private jet for the hearing.

READ MORE: Watch as an apparently drunk Conor McGregor busts some moves in a Glasgow club

Cowley said after the fight that he was hoping to get the case “out of the way”.

They are due back in court July 26.