UFC president Dana White has leaked the UFC 246 opening video, and has added more excitement ahead of Conor McGregor’s return.
McGregor is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Octagon after a 15-month absence.
He’ll make his comeback in the headliner against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in Las Vegas on January 18.
Big Build-Up
There’s been much anticipation and excitement for Notorious’ return to the UFC, with promos from BT, ESPN, and UFC all being released in the build-up.
And Dana White has now leaked another video which adds even more buzz to the upcoming showdown.
The video narrates McGregor’s highs and lows throughout his career, and puts forward a strong message as the Dubliner looks to turn things around.
The video then goes on to show ‘Cowboy’ in all his glory, before signing out with a spine-tingling message.
“At last, Octagon legends will meet, the Cowboy and the Notorious one,” the narrator reads.
“For redemption, for legacy, and for destiny.”
“That time is now.”
See the video below:
Long Absence
McGregor hasn’t won since 2016, and has been absence from the UFC since his submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.
The Irish superstar has since had a troublesome period, with multiple run-ins with the law putting his legacy in doubt.
His absence and his behaviour outside of the Octagon led to comparisons with the demise of boxing legend Mike Tyson’s career.
But Notorious seems to have turned over a new leaf, and recently shocked fans with his humble manner at a pre-fight press-conference.
Speaking at the conference, McGregor uncharacteristically praised his upcoming opponent, and although he intends to knock Cowboy out, insists there’ll be no bad blood.
“I have respect for Donald,” McGregor said.
“He has earned my respect through his activity and through just observing him, he steps up.”
“He goes through divisions also, not many a man in the business does that.”
“He’s been around so long.”
“It’s hard not to respect Donald.”
“He has my respect.”
“Although there will be blood spilled, it will not be bad blood.”
“It will be a KO.”
Drastic Measures
McGregor has taken drastic measures to ensure his comeback is a succesful one as he looks to redeem himself.
But the ‘Champ Champ’ insists that while he’s become more humble and focused, he hasn’t lost any of his hunger or ambition.
“I’m still the same young kid I always was, I’m still an aspiring man and reaching for the stars, doing things that haven’t been done before,”
“I feel like I’ve turned over a new leaf. I am re-energised and refreshed.”
Notorious recently revealed that he intends to fight twice more in 2020, and expects to be a billionaire by the time he’s 35.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ BT Sport and Twitter/ Dana White)