Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes clash during weigh-in ahead of their UFC 189 featherweight title fight in Las Vegas

  • Conor McGregor takes on Chad Mendes in Las Vegas on Saturday night
  • The Irishman was due to face Jose Aldo but he pulled out with a rib injury
  • McGregor and Mendes almost came to blows at the weigh-in on Friday 
  • The 26-year-old faces a career-defining night against Mendes 

By Martin Domin for MailOnline

Published: 04:16 EST, 11 July 2015 | Updated: 07:27 EST, 11 July 2015

Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes were unable to complete the traditional face-off on Friday night as the simmering tension between the pair reached boiling point.

Mendes stepped in for the injured champion Jose Aldo at less than three weeks' notice but weighed in half a pound under the 145lb featherweight limit in Las Vegas.

McGregor, who was roared on by the large contingent of Irish fans among the record 11,000 who attended the weigh-in, made the weight exactly.

Conor McGregor (right) and Chad Mendes (left) were separated by UFC president Dana White

Conor McGregor (right) and Chad Mendes (left) were separated by UFC president Dana White

Things got very heated between the pair ahead of their UFC 189 featherweight title fight in Las Vegas

Things got very heated between the pair ahead of their UFC 189 featherweight title fight in Las Vegas

McGregor is roared on by thousands of Irish fans as he made the weight exactly

McGregor is roared on by thousands of Irish fans as he made the weight exactly

But UFC president Dana White had to keep the two at arm's length as the fight threatened to break out 24 hours early.

McGregor said: 'Chad is an overblown midget. Tomorrow night I'm going to cut him in half and raise gold for Ireland, for my country.' His opponent retorted: 'It's time to take what's mine.'

Earlier, McGregor was involved in a minor scuffle with Mendes' team-mate Urijah Faber backstage.

The Dubliner said: 'Hey there, little man', to which Faber responded by tousling his hair. The pair briefly squared up before Faber said: 'You going to be all right?'.

He later appeared to refer to the American as a 'f****** queer' in his dressing room. 

The 26-year-old, who recently claimed he will re-arrange Mendes' face, makes his way on to the stage

The 26-year-old, who recently claimed he will re-arrange Mendes' face, makes his way on to the stage

Mendes (right) is all smiles as he makes his way on to the stage arena ahead of the weigh-in in Las Vegas

Mendes (right) is all smiles as he makes his way on to the stage arena ahead of the weigh-in in Las Vegas

McGregor looked pumped as he saluted the strong Irish contingent among the record 11,000 weigh-in crowd

McGregor looked pumped as he saluted the strong Irish contingent among the record 11,000 weigh-in crowd

McGregor has won all five of his UFC fights to date and has established himself as one of the biggest stars

McGregor has won all five of his UFC fights to date and has established himself as one of the biggest stars

McGregor insisted he had made the weight comfortably despite rumours he was struggling with the cut

McGregor insisted he had made the weight comfortably despite rumours he was struggling with the cut

He also posted on Instagram: 'I've seen crack heads roaming the street that look healthier than McGregor right now', in reference to the Irishman's gaunt appearance.

McGregor has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the UFC with five consecutive victories leading him to this point.

More than 10,000 fans packed into the MGM Grand on Friday night while Saturday's gate will be at least $7.1million (£4.5m), a UFC record in Las Vegas.

McGregor flexes his muscles as he prepares to face Mendes at the MGM Grand

McGregor flexes his muscles as he prepares to face Mendes at the MGM Grand

Thousands are expected to attend Saturday night's bout between McGregor and Mendes

Thousands are expected to attend Saturday night's bout between McGregor and Mendes

 

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