Conor McGregor back after the scandal: "Has turned leaves in life"

MMA's biggest star is back.

Sunday morning, Swedish time, Conor McGregor steps up in the UFC Octagon for the first time in 15 months when he meets American Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone.

His first match since the scandal scenes against champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018. A low-water mark in the history of the sport that resulted in long closures for both men.

Since that match, which became the largest in monetary history in MMA history, there have been dark headlines for McGregor off the competition mat. Among other things, he was convicted of assault after striking a man at a bar last spring, and has also been charged with sexual abuse, something he has consistently denied.

"I'm happy to sit here and look forward to inviting the fans to the show," he said directly at tonight's big press conference in Las Vegas.

A calm and collected McGregor dressed in a dark suit was greeted by great cheers from the audience.

The first question was about how the 31-year-old had a different attitude to the comeback compared to the match against Nurmagomedov 2018. At that press conference the Irishman behaved manically, threatened his opponent and drank whiskey completely open just a few days before the match.

- This is a whole new match with new circumstances. I have gone through things that have shaped me as a person. I am much more focused and aware today. But I'm still the same little guy from Dublin, Ireland who is aiming for the stars and trying to do things that no other fool has done before, he says.

- Sometimes you have to go through certain things in life to understand what is important. I have turned leaves in life and have a completely different energy.

From a sporting point of view, McGregor, who has not won in the UFC since 2016 and then only played one match, says he feels better than ever.

- No one can touch me right now. I have lifted this sport to the status it has today. Now I'm going to go in and remind the world of who I am.

On one occasion during the night's press conference, the issue of the ongoing investigation against McGregor for sexual abuse was raised. The crowd then bowed loudly. McGregor himself sat quietly while his opponent asked the reporter to change the subject. UFC President Dana White, who held the press conference, said McGregor had already answered the questions in a lengthy interview with ESPN the day before.

A noticeably irritated McGregor in the ESPN interview denied the allegations and responded:

- I really try to have patience, even if it is difficult. In time, the truth will be revealed. Right now I'm just focused on winning the UFC belt again and trying to think positively. I pray for all those who try to hurt me in this way.