Conor McGregor pledges to knock out Donald Cerrone at unusually restrained UFC press conference

The Irishman also made clear his ambition to win a boxing world title

Conor McGregor assured his fans he would knockout Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone before declaring his ambition to win a boxing world title at an exceptionally restrained press conference ahead of UFC 246 on Saturday night.

The Irishman is known for his combustible and controversial press conference appearances, but the 31-year-old was on his best behaviour ahead of his return to the UFC.

McGregor, a former two-weight world champion, warmly shook hands with Cerrone upon being introduced to the stage by UFC president Dana White.

But the evident respect between the two men did not stop McGregor from predicting that the fight would end via knockout.

“There will be blood – but not bad blood,” McGregor said at the press conference.

“I feel I have the speed advantage. I’m feeling confident and I am fully committed. I made this game what it is. I’m going to remind everyone of that.

“I can read Donald like a children’s book.”

McGregor also made clear his desire to return to the sport of boxing at some point in the future.

He made his professional boxing debut when he took on the undefeated five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, losing by way of knockout in the tenth round.

“I would love the rematch,” McGregor said. “I feel now I could get that victory. For me, I have the aspiration to win a boxing world title and something I will look to achieve in the future.

“I am feeling very confident in my boxing abilities.”

Cerrone, a 36-13 veteran who has lost his last two fights, meanwhile admitted this was the toughest test of his career.

“He’s a two time champ, it’s the toughest battle to date. This is the biggest one so let’s see what happens.”