Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon almost a year to the day since his lightning-fast TKO victory over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone as he rematches Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office HD on Saturday 23 January.

The duo came face-to-face for the first time during fight week when they took to the mic for the official UFC 257 press conference on Thursday afternoon - and you can watch the full presser right here in the player above.

The Irishman had vowed to make 2020 a year to remember following that stunning win over Cerrone but he, like the rest of us, saw grand plans fall victim to circumstance as the world ground to a halt in March.

Forced to sit out and bide his time as the lightweight landscape took shape before him, the 32-year-old now returns hungrier than ever to put on a performance that would see him first in line for a crack at regaining his 155lb title.

But the year has been a source of frustration for Poirier too.

The former interim lightweight king fought just once thanks to a combination of injury and circumstance but managed to produce a Fight of the Year contender that night thanks to a memorable ding-dong against UFC 257 co-main eventer Dan Hooker.

At 32 years old, Poirier is coming into the prime of his athletic career and with the benefit of six more years of learning, the Alabama fighter believes he can exact revenge over his former tormentor in levelling the scores after an infamous defeat at UFC 176.

Joining Poirier and McGregor on stage were the two co-main event fighters, Dan Hooker and Michael Chandler.

Lightweight contender Hooker may look on with envy at his former rival Poirier’s successes following their thrilling tussle in June last year.

The game New Zealander appeared to have Poirier in all sorts of trouble in the early rounds but came up short on the scorecards after a five-round war.

But his reward for a stellar showing that night sees him get first dibs on the new man, Michael Chandler, in the most prestigious supporting slot on the UFC calendar.

Chandler, a former three-time Bellator world champion, arrives under the banner of the UFC with a burgeoning reputation as a force to be reckoned with at 155lb.

The 34-year-old is as well-rounded as they come in the world of MMA; a former Division I collegiate wrestling champion with dynamite in his fists and grand ambitions of conquering a second promotion, Chandler will face the perfect test of his credentials against the number six ranked lightweight in the UFC.

What did the fighters have to say for themselves before the big night? Watch the replay of the press conference to find out.

UFC 257: Poirier vs McGregor 2 is exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office HD on Saturday 23 January. Click here for more information on how to order this unmissable event.