History beckons at the Garden...

There are not many things the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden haven't witnessed over the years. Tonight however, a 28-year-old Irishman could end an already historic night by becoming "immortalised" in his sport, writes Nathan Kelly in New York.

It's Fight Night in New York. In a week of appetizers, the main course is almost upon us. Conor McGregor challenges Eddie Alvarez for his UFC Lightweight belt in the organisation's first ever event in the Big Apple.

As most McGregor fight weeks go, there have been some hilarious, ridiculous, and somewhat volatile moments in the build-up. From sinking shots on the New York Knicks court on Tuesday, to Gucci mink on Wednesday and hoards of Irish arriving yesterday for the weigh-ins, the Dubliner, as always, has secured most of the headlines.

However, the man he'll be locked in a cage with in a few hours time has also enjoyed a good week of build-up. Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez is under more spotlight than ever before due to his opponent, but credit to the Philadelphia fighter, he's handled it like a champ.

Leaving the stage during Wednesday's press conference due to McGregor being late yet again was a different tactic to Nate Diaz's back in August when he waited for the Notorious to show up, stuck around for a couple of minutes before storming off, which sparked the throwing of bottles and cans incident in the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

When Alvarez returned on Wednesday, he retrieved the belt McGregor had taken from his seat and sat down. Dana White was forced to separate the pair shortly after, with McGregor reaching for a chair, which White also prevented from heading the American's way. From that point on, and even before Conor had arrived, Alvarez was in spectacular form during the press conference. While purposely riling the Irish/McGregor support, calling his opponent a poor representative of Ireland for being late, and taking pictures while on stage, the 32-year-old remained largely cool and was constantly smiling.

Yesterday's weigh-in passed without much incident concerning the main event, the key difference inside the grand old arena was the presence of travelling Irish support who had arrived earlier in the day. But while confidence in McGregor is always high among his followers, talking and listening in the Garden yesterday gave the impression many are not giving Alvarez a chance. A lot of the basis for this is if McGregor can beat Nate Diaz in a 5 round war, the smaller Alvarez won't be a problem.

But Alvarez is no joke. Boasting an MMA record of 28-4, his one loss in four UFC fights so far came on his debut, against Cowboy Cerrone at UFC 178, the same event at which McGregor defeated Dustin Poirier.

A big question is how McGregor will approach this fight. "Mystic Mac" has stated it will be a first round KO, but having changed his approach so much for the second Diaz bout, focusing heavily on stamina rather than power, the first few minutes of tonight's main event should show whether that knockout-chasing style is the one chosen.

With two title fights preceding this one, plus a host of other top quality fights on this stacked card, throw in McGregor's big "announcement" and add in the rumours Floyd Mayweather will be present, it is set to be an huge night of drama on the eir Sport pack.