IT'S trending to be the highest-selling pay-per-view in UFC history and the build-up to Conor McGregor's return against Khabib Nurmagomedov hit full-steam this morning as the fighters held a press conference in New York.
McGregor immediately started spraying fire, ripping into the UFC for not making the press conference open to the public.
"If I was an owner and I was part of the promotion, I would have had f***ing fans in this arena. Where are the fans at?" McGregor said.
"They're the ones who pay the bills and they're the ones who deserve this show. (You) bring me all over the f***ing world and we're just sitting here.
"I'm on probation up to me eyeballs and have ongoing and incoming civil cases — and I come here to do this bulls***? Bring the f***ing fans here. You wanted a war? Well here we f***ing are."
McGregor had been up to his usual antics ahead of today's media availability, telling his followers on social media it was open to the public — despite the UFC insisting it was not — while marketing his new Irish Whisky.
UFC president Dana White said the press conference was media-only to avoid any headaches. "We've had problems in New York," White said. "I don't want any problems in New York today."
The ticket for entry is a bottle of @ProperWhiskey. 2 bottles and you skip the Q to the top. My soldiers will be outside making sure this rule is strictly adhered to. Radio city Hall. UFC 229 Press conference.
Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov pose for pictures during a news conference in New York. Photo / AP
It's the first time the two foes come face to face since McGregor's wild attack on a bus the Russian was sitting in at UFC 223 in New York in April.
The Irish superstar was caught on video throwing a trolley and a bin at the window of the bus after apparently seeking retribution against Nurmagomedov for an earlier incident involving his teammate Artem Lobov.
McGregor was charged by police with disorderly conduct and later accepted a plea deal.
McGregor taunted Nurmagomedov about not getting off the bus to confront him.
"He s*** his jocks," he said. "The first thing I did when I showed up at that bus, I showed my hands to show I came there unarmed. (I said) step off the bus. You talked the big game, now I'm here. And he did nothing, he cowered behind women and caused what happened to happen, so that's f***ing that."
"I just thank the Lord Jesus Christ that man did not have the balls to step foot off that bus because trust me ... if that bus door had opened, I would not be here right now," McGregor added. "He would be in a box, and I would be in a cell".
Nurmagomedov remained composed throughout the half hour battle of tongues, refusing to bite on taunts about his father, his relationship with his native Russia and president Vladimir Putin.
The duo managed to negotiate a face-off without any kick-offs.
McGregor's near two-year absence from the Octagon coupled with Nurmagomedov's unbeaten record make their lightweight title bout on Sunday, October 7 (AEST) the most anticipated fight of the year.
UFC president Dana White revealed on ESPN on Friday (AEST) the fight is on track for 2.5 million buys, which would smash the previous company record set by McGregor's rematch against Nate Diaz in 2016.
The UFC has no other fighter with the pulling power of McGregor, who hasn't fought since becoming the first man to hold championships in two weight divisions at the same time.
It makes him, in White's opinion at least, the greatest fighter in the history of the sport.
Dana White on greatest UFC fighter ever: If you take the whole package, it has got to be Conor McGregor.
Nurmagomedov isn't of the same opinion of his opponent's talents.
He labelled McGregor a "chicken" while attempting to goad him into a fight — and doubled down by posting this video of McGregor press conference highlights with a chicken clucking dubbed over the top ahead of today's meeting.
