And that's that!
Now for the two to square off.
Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone will come face-to-face tonight at their UFC 246 press conference.
Expect fireworks as the combustible Irishman and former two-weight world champion prepares to make his return to the sport, having not fought since his submission defeat to long-term rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October 2018.
McGregror had been hoping to win back the UFC lightweight title but instead fell to a fourth career defeat and now needs to rebuild his career.
On Saturday night he will fight Cerrone, a UFC veteran with a 36-13 professional record. It won’t be an easy fight – but McGregor has to win if he is to have any hope of challenging Khabib again in the future.
Watch live video of the press conference above and follow live commentary and analysis below.
Live commentary:
It ended very amicably. Not sure that was worth staying up for, to be honest.
And that's that!
Now for the two to square off.
Cowboy has just doffed his cap to McGregor. Christ.
Advertisement
What does McGregor make of Cerrone's striking? "There is nobody who can touch me. I made this game what it is. I'm going to go out there and remind everybody."
Has Cerrone changed his opinion on McGregor? "Yes because he did everything that he said he was going to do."
Would McGregor rather fight Pacquiao or Mayweather? "For me, it's an aspiration to win a boxing world title. It would be a real feather in the cap. I will achieve it. I've cleaned up a lot of things and feel very confident in my boxing abilities."
Advertisement
What's the most dangerous element of Cerrone's game? "He's a good guy but I can read him like a childrens book. I'm well prepared, you will see."
Does McGregor feel under pressure to win? "No. The narrative of me losing is a little far-fetched. I am well prepared."
Does Cowboy feel overlooked? "No. McGregor isn't overlooking me. I don't give a fuck about the media."
Does McGregor think he's a different person? "I'm more grown. I'm experienced. I am certainly more focused and more aware. But I'm still the same young kid I always was."
Has Cerrone changed his approach for this fight? "Everyday I train. Everyday I fight. It's in my nature. It will just be cool to share the Octagon with him. Hell no though I won't change my approach."
Would McGregor ever drop down back to feather? "Never say never. I could do it, but probably not at this time. Australia is rising when it comes to MMA. It's great to see the Aussies and the Kiwis rising up."
Advertisement
McGregor is asked about his legal troubles. The journalist is booed and Dana White shuts him down.
The state of this.
Question to Cowboy: what do you make of McGregor's confidence?
... McGregor interrupts: "That's a damn good coat Donald!"
There's a bit of a random back and forth over fashion before Cerrone answers the question. "We're all prepared to beat our opponent at their worst. He knows I'm coming. I'm so excited for this fight."
A question about Masvidal and Usman, who are both watching: "What would I be interested in more? I would like the BMF belt and then the gold. The gold has more significance to it. But they're both exciting belts. The more exciting fight is me vs Masvidal. Usman is similar to Khabib, the sniff the jock strap style. We'll see what happens."
Advertisement
Question to McGregor on his fight camp: "It's fully structured. I have had set times for all my practices. I went to bed at a specific time. It has been as structured as I have ever been. And I have abstained from my Proper 12. I said I would give it my all and I have done that."
Oh dear, Cowboy finally gets asked a question and his mic doesn't work.
And the Mystic Mac prediction?
"So much has changed since our last conversation. He predicted I wouldn't get through Aldo. We've had a good back and forth. He's become a family man and he has my respect. And although blood will be spilled, it will not be bad blood. And as for the prediction: it will be a KO."
Advertisement
And are there any roadblocks in 2020?
"I have done nothing wrong. It's going to be a mega year. I have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline."
Did he want to come back and fight?
"I'm very grateful and honoured to be here. Back in the US and back in Vegas. My life has changed in America. I'm an entertainer and this gets me up in the morning."
Preview
McGregor and Cerrone will face off at a press conference on Wednesday at 5pm in Vegas, which will be 1am on Thursday in the UK.
The media event will be shown live on the UFC YouTube channel.
The press conference is taking place at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
UFC 246 takes place on Saturday 18 January 2020.
The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Yes, they are still available to purchase from StubHub and Viagogo.
The fight will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office.
The fight will cost £19.95 from BT Sport Box Office.
You do not need a BT Sport subscription to purchase the fight.
More details on how to purchase the fight are available here.