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Conor McGregor chasing history in New York showdown with Eddie Alvarez

Conor McGregor threatens to throw a chair at Eddie Alvarez on Thursday in the build-up to their New York bout which takes place in the early hours of Sunday morning
Conor McGregor threatens to throw a chair at Eddie Alvarez on Thursday in the build-up to their New York bout which takes place in the early hours of Sunday morning Conor McGregor threatens to throw a chair at Eddie Alvarez on Thursday in the build-up to their New York bout which takes place in the early hours of Sunday morning

Conor McGregor says he will be “immortalised” if he secures a second title belt at UFC 205 in New York this weekend.

The Dubliner will headline a pay-per-view event at New York’s Madison Square Garden as he challenges Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title, attempting to make history by becoming the first man to hold two UFC belts simultaneously.

The pre-fight press conference featured the usual posturing, swearing and even chair-throwing, but once the fracas had calmed down McGregor spoke about what a win on Saturday would do for his legacy, and believes the bout will only last one round.

“This just puts it even more in stone,” McGregor told reporters at Thursday’s briefing in New York.

“A second belt, it’s never been done. No one has ever come close, no one has attempted it. My legacy (is that) I’ll be immortalised after this.

“I’m trying to live in the moment right now, this is such an historic event. I’ll get the second world title.

“I believe that I will put this man away, but I am prepared for five rounds. I predict that I will rearrange his face. He’s too easy to hit. I think (I’ll beat him) in one round. If he can hold out and take it to the trenches, I’ll take my hat off to him. But he will never be the same again.”

McGregor has been the champion in the UFC’s featherweight division since last December when he knocked out Jose Aldo.

Alvarez was embroiled in a number of verbal exchanges with McGregor before confidently stating: “I’ve always been the underground king in this sport.”

He added: “I just have this belt and no one’s getting it from me.

‘‘I’m prepared to completely destroy Conor McGregor and silence this whole damn crowd.”