LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor returns to the Octagon after a 15-month absence seeking - he says - to leave controversy behind him.

The Irish star takes on experienced Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone on Saturday (Jan 18) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas - where Wednesday's final press conference offered a remarkable display of respect from a fighter as famed for his trash talk as his formidable left hook.