Interruptions, boasts and hype: there is much of Trump in Conor McGregor

As the UFC prepares to makes its entrance in New York, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Irishman is driving the UFC’s money machine

Conor McGregor sat on a stage below Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening, clutching a title belt that should no longer be his and vowing to snatch another fighter’s from the table before him. And is there any doubt who holds the power in the UFC these days?

On 12 November, the UFC will finally stage an event in New York. As the organization’s president, Dana White, waved his hand around two rows of fighters he handpicked for the card – his biggest ever – there was only one who mattered. McGregor sat in the front, just to White’s left, wearing a pinstripe suit and aviator glasses. He pumped his fist, he waved his hands, he pounded the table. And the crowd of more than 1,000 New Yorkers boomed at his every “fuck” and chanted his name. He turned his head toward White, smirked then gazed into the lights.

Related: Connor McGregor to fight Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205 headline bout

Everyone is looking for a shot at Conor McGregor at the #UFC205 presser! https://t.co/sHjYqD5xbH