Conor McGregor is one of MMA’s most eminent stars and the biggest pay-per-view draw in the UFC’s – MMA’s leading organisation – history.
With the rumour mill purring with a return date for McGregor, who became the first UFC fighter to hold world titles in multiple weight divisions simultaneously, GiveMeSport has decided to take a look back at an iconic altercation that took place last year concerning ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Pink Suit Guy.’
In the build-up to McGregor’s tantalising trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, MMA media personality Josh Cohen – colloquially known as Pink Suit Guy for his bright and flamboyant attire – posed a question that seemed to ruffle the feathers of the fiery Irishman.
Cohen, calm and composed, spoke into the mic of McGregor’s slide from his peak and lack of consistency since claiming the lightweight belt in 2016.
“You have won exactly one fight since Barack Obama was president...”
Pink Suit Guy’s speech was quickly lost in a haze of expletive retaliation from an incensed McGregor, who retorted that Cohen should ‘shut his mouth' and that he would ‘smash his nose in.’
The thrilled response to the stark delivery of Pink Suit Guy’s question told one thing, McGregor, ever the imperious quick-lipped trash talker, had been rattled, with The Notorious raising his head to the ceiling in defiance as the crowd continued to roar.
Video: Conor McGregor angry at reporter's question
Cohen continued and repeatedly asked McGregor, “why should anything be different on Saturday?” with the fighter’s solitary victory since his lightweight title victory over Eddie Alvarez a first-round demolition over the since retired Donald Cerrone.
Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier history
McGregor was coming off the back of a devastating defeat to Poirier, having won the first bout in similar fashion at featherweight back in 2014, with sights set on exacting his revenge against the only man to defeat him by knockout.
The fight itself ended in controversial circumstances, with McGregor breaking his lower tibia after an entertaining opening round. Poirier was awarded the TKO victory via doctor stoppage whilst McGregor was confined to medical shackles for the foreseeable future.
Recent training posts speckled across McGregor’s social media profiles suggest the return to the Octagon is drawing near, with one Instagram post from his account teasing “the greatest and biggest sports comeback in history. Will you be a witness?”
Whether a return before next summer is indeed on the cards remains speculative at this point, but signs indicate McGregor is returning to his zenith and will look to raise the roof and stake his claim to UFC gold once more.