Conor McGregor believes Khabib Nurmagomedov is “petrified” ahead of their headlining showdown at UFC 229 on Saturday.

Russian Khabib will put his lightweight title on the line and heads into the contest at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a 26-0 record.

Khabib is the 1.57 favourite to come out on top and McGregor is 2.40 to claim the win.

McGregor is returning to UFC for the first time since losing his only professional boxing bout to Floyd Mayweather Jr last year.

The Irishman turned up late for media duties, blaming the traffic, and Khabib left before he arrived – with McGregor claiming that shows his opponent is running scared.

“When I sign up, you’re going to get a fight. I come out fast and aggressive,” said McGregor.

“I did not plan this [arriving late], I’m only a few minutes late. He should have stayed put, he doesn’t want to be around me and these people. He is petrified.

“The traffic is heavy, there must be a McGregor fight!”

McGregor is 2.63 to win by KO/TKO and Khabib is 3.75 to win by submission. A Khabib win in round 5 is 21.00 and McGregor to win in round 4 is 26.00.