Conor McGregor is arguably the best trash-talker in MMA history – but Eddie Alvarez gave him a run for his money ahead of their fight in December 2016.

‘Notorious’ became a UFC superstar thanks to his devastating left hand, sharp dress sense and killer wit which made press conferences a nightmare for his opponents.

McGregor has always had a way with wordsCredit: getty

During his early days in MMA’s premier league, McGregor terrorised Dustin Poirer and infuriated Jose Aldo before knocking them out inside one round.

However, he did not have the war of words his way before taking on lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in New York seven years ago.

McGregor rocked up to their pre-fight press conference in a customised Rolls Royce, wearing a Gucci mink coat, and bragging about his superstar status.

‘The Underground King’ quickly knocked him down a peg by reminding the MMA legend exactly where he came from, while simultaneously questioning his manhood.

“You were on welfare, brah,” Alvarez said during a FOX Sports interview.

“You ain’t no man, you took welfare. Don’t you talk about money, you took money from single mums, single mums go on welfare. Don’t talk about money.

“Keep your mouth shut when you talk about money.”

McGregor tried to interject but ultimately bowed his head and allowed Alvarez to say his piece during an interview that quickly went viral.

McGregor got as good as he gave during verbal exchanges with AlvarezCredit: getty

‘The Underground King’ even got the better of him on one occasionCredit: FOX Sports

The plumber’s apprentice famously cashed a welfare cheque before his UFC debut in 2013 – McGregor has since become one of the richest men in all of sport.

The 35-year-old may have lost a battle outside the Octagon, but he made Alvarez pay when they fought at Madison Square Garden’s first UFC event.

McGregor dropped his rival four times en route to a second-round stoppage win which is regarded by many as the best performance of his iconic MMA career.

‘Mystic Mac’ topped off becoming the first dual-weight champion in UFC history by delivering a ‘fake apology’ speech that is still talked about almost a decade later.

McGregor was just another struggling fighter 10 years agoCredit: Getty

The Irishman is now worth hundreds of millionsCredit: @thenotoriousmma – instagram

McGregor went on to earn $100 million for a fight with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather before selling his Proper 12 Irish Whiskey company for $600 million.

The UFC icon has come a long way since his days on the dole.

He’ll almost certainly take home an eight-figure purse when he returns to the UFC cage in 2024 following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a broken leg.

McGregor and Alvarez seemingly made up post-fight as the Irishman was in the crowd barking instructions at his former opponent when he made his bare-knuckle boxing debut earlier this year.

After a split decision win over Chad Mendes – another man who fell victim to McGregor’s KO power in the UFC – Alvarez was booked to face Mike Perry.

They’ll headline BKFC 56 on Saturday night after an intense build-up that has seen body shots thrown and heads come together during heated staredowns.

Whoever wins will walk away the inaugural ‘King of Violence’ champion in a sport McGregor has previously expressed an interest in.

Perhaps Alvarez will have some new trash-talk for McGregor if he gets by Perry in Salt Late City, Utah, this weekend.