Conor McGregor will end a near two-year absence from the UFC this weekend when he takes on lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Irishman has had his fair share of controversies since becoming a breakout star for the organisation and, here, Press Association Sport looks at some of those:

Thanks for the cheese

One month after suffering an upset defeat to Nate Diaz in March 2016, McGregor seemingly announced a premature end to his mixed martial arts career in a tweet that said: “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya’s later.” It was a particular blow to his employers as McGregor’s immediate rematch against Diaz was slated for UFC 200. While McGregor would later backtrack on his announcement, he was pulled from the event after failing to fulfil his media duties.

Unseemly altercation in UFC 202 build-up

The rematch ultimately took place five months later at UFC 202, which featured a fracas at the pre-fight press conference. As Diaz was walking off-stage, McGregor uttered the memorable line: “You’ll do nothing, You’ll do nothing. Shut your mouth you’ll do f****** nothing, get the f*** out of here.” Members of Diaz’s entourage proceeded to throw water bottles at McGregor, who stood up to respond in kind. Both fighters were fined by the Nevada Athletic Commission, reduced on appeal, while McGregor gained revenge with a majority decision victory.

Interference at Bellator 187

View this post on Instagram

I sincerely apologize for my behavior at last weekends fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line. As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard. The referee Marc Godard was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round. Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over. After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone. I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time. That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all! I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Nov 14, 2017 at 9:48am PST

McGregor was ringside to support stablemate Charlie Ward as he made his Bellator debut against John Redmond in Dublin in November 2017. Ward dropped his opponent as the opening round came to a conclusion, appearing to signal an end to the fight, whereupon McGregor climbed over the cage to celebrate with his team-mate. However, referee Marc Goddard separated the pair as he attempted to find out whether the knockout was before the bell, leading to an irate McGregor to remonstrate with the official and push him during a melee. After being led out of the cage, McGregor slapped a commissioner who attempted to stop the then UFC lightweight champion from entering the ring again. He apologised on his Instagram the following day.

Gatecrashing a UFC 223 media day

Six months later McGregor, apparently incensed that his friend and training partner Artem Lobov had had an uncomfortable run-in with Nurmagomedov, responded by launching an attack on a bus containing several UFC fighters, including his Russian foe. McGregor was filmed throwing a hand truck at the bus window following the conclusion of a media day to promote UFC 223, injuring several people. His actions were described as “the most disgusting thing that has happened in the history of the company” by UFC president Dana White and led to his arrest. He later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to five days of community service in the United States. Days after the incident, Nurmagomedov succeeded McGregor as lightweight champion after the latter was stripped because of inactivity.