Conor McGregor has insisted his pursuit of UFC history will end in 'immortality' this weekend when the featherweight champion looks to claim the lightweight crown from Eddie Alvarez in New York City.
The world's biggest mixed martial arts organisation has never had a fighter who reigned over two divisions simultaneously. But victory in the main event of UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night would secure that rarified space for McGregor.
As he made his first official appearance of this the maiden UFC fight week in the Empire State on Wednesday morning, the Dubliner insisted he is ready to get the job done.
"Saturday night, I become immortal," said McGregor after a public workout on the basketball court at Madison Square Garden.
"I'm immortalised when I get the second belt and raise it up. It's never been done before. It means absolutely everything to me, it's my life's work. I'm ready. I've done everything, I've come in here prepared. We're ready."
As New York struggled to shake itself out of the post-election stupor that has enveloped the country - the crowd was significantly less animated than at similar McGregor events in Las Vegas in recent times - Saturday's headliners cut hyperactive figures inside the iconic arena.
McGregor went through a rigorous workout with strike coach Owen Roddy and even took time afterwards to drain a basketball shot at the home of the NBA's New York Knicks. While the event may struggle for as many eyes and ears in the election fallout, the 28-year-old is making the most of his first fight in the city.
"It means the world to me. That's why I kept pushing on it. I couldn't miss this event, no way. I built this event and here I am," said McGregor, who when pushed for 'Mystic Mac' prediction, promised a first-round KO of his elder rival.
"I feel like I can do it in many ways. I can paint many pictures inside that octagon. I can come out with many styles. Every fight is different, every shot is different, every approach is different. That's why they can't figure me out. Be in for a treat."
For his part, Alvarez promised to inflict something all too familiar upon McGregor - a second submission defeat in the space of a year.
The Notorious one's rocketing reputation came unceremoniously crashing down in March when Nate Diaz choked him out in the rearranged main event of UFC 196 in Las Vegas.
While the Dubliner bounced back with victory in an enthralling five-round marathon in their August rematch, Alvarez insisted yesterday that he will send McGregor back to the canvass on Saturday night.
"I think I'm going to land big shots," Alvarez said after his own rigorous workout. "This guy is worried about a lot of grappling and wrestling. When his mind is on that I'm going to hit him with a big shot and submit him.
"I overcome challenges every day. That's what I'm good at, that's what I pride myself on, that's why I'm champion.
"I'm looking forward to him bringing it on Saturday night. Hopefully he'll bring that dog out in me. Bring me some fight, please."
The Philadelphia veteran is in for the biggest payday of his lengthy career here this weekend. But the money is not all that matters to him. Alvarez paced along the edge of the court after his workout shouting "And still..." in front of the crowd.
"It's incredible. The energy is incredible," he said. "I'm blessed that you guys came out. If you've got a red, white or orange flag, it doesn't matter what you've got. You're here and I appreciate you guys.
"I fought 13 years of my life to put myself on this stage under the biggest lights and in front of the biggest crowd. I am super excited to go out there."
