Those who legalised mixed martial arts in New York earlier this year may be beginning to wonder what they've let themselves in for.
Conor McGregor prematurely brought pantomime season to Manhattan on Thursday afternoon as he turned the UFC 205 pre-fight press conference into another trademark Notorious occasion. Like a Broadway veteran reeling off his best lines, McGregor wheeled out all of the antics that have seen him labelled the wildest showman in combat sports.
"This is Gucci mink. This is what confidence looks like..." - McGregor
Awful timekeeping? Check. Grasping a bitter rival's championship belt? Check. Goading said rival with a string of insults and expletives? Check. All hell threatening to break loose? Check.
McGregor even decked himself out in pantomime get-up for the occasion, striding on to the stage 20 minutes late in a full-length snow white fur coat, a red polo neck and a pair of pants that may have been borrowed from a 70's golfer with questionable taste.
Another melee almost happened at the #ufc205 press conference pic.twitter.com/TaI3z1AW3x
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 10, 2016
None of the theatrics are likely to land the Dubliner in any kind of hot water this time, McGregor having been shipped with a six-figure fine for the mini riot that broke out in a press conference with Nate Diaz in Las Vegas in August.
Instead UFC beancounters, eager to see their first foray into the Empire State - after MMA had been deemed illegal here for longer than any other state - register as a major commercial success, were provided with a Big Apple-sized serving of grist for the hype mill.
The latest man to find himself on the other side of the histrionics, lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, had already proven himself capable of handling the onslaught. On Thursday he was again more than a match for McGregor.
Alvarez took all of the barbs and boos that came his way from the partisan crowd inside Madison Square Garden and responded in kind, while he waited for McGregor's arrival.
"I’m prepared to completely destroy Conor McGregor and silence these damn fans," he said as the noise ratcheted up.
"I’m smiling from ear to ear. I’m half Irish. I’m disappointed in the country of Ireland right now that this is your representative."
The 32-year-old from Philadelphia then took his leave in protest at McGregor's tardiness, leaving UFC chief Dana White and the four other co-main event fighters to field questions.
When McGregor did eventually arrive, he pranced across the stage, grabbed the lightweight belt left behind by Alvarez, placing it beside his own featherweight title and declared: "Sorry I'm late but I just don't give a f***."
The decibels soared anew before Alvarez stormed back out and snatched his title back as White separated the jostling headliners. As McGregor took his seat, Alvarez slid his own chair along the floor behind McGregor on the other side of the dais.
The 28-year-old, constantly linked with a cameo in the WWE, grabbed the steel chair and briefly threatened to get himself into a world of trouble all over again as he waved it towards Alvarez before being dragged off stage.
Madison Square Garden has seen its share of iconic sporting moments. Its separate Theatre arena - which hosted this get-together - has seen some vintage dramatics. This was of the latter variety.
McGregor re-took his seat and soon got to verbal jousting instead.
"He's damaged goods," he said of his well-travelled opponent. "He's aged, looks a bit gonked. At the end of the day were go in there and fight and the shots will land regardless. I'm fresh, ready to go, I look forward to it. I'm gonna shut this man up."
Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor square off at the #ufc205 press conference. pic.twitter.com/LFixitwaRh
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 10, 2016
The sport's leading man has been leading a more elevated existence than many of his fellow fighters in this maiden fight week in New York, staying in a separate hotel off Central Park and carousing the avenues in a personalised Rolls Royce supplied by the carmaker for the week. He's clearly relishing every minute.
"This is Gucci mink. This is what confidence looks like, this is what big Irish balls look like," he roared. "Two Rolls [Royces], the second one came today, one Rolls for each belt. I'm in my own spot, they have a spot where they are all staying, and it's empty. The fans are all outside my hotel.
"They're still here with me today and I'm really grateful for that. It keeps me coming back and doing special things."
