Conor McGregor is one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's biggest and most controversial stars, but the two-division champion's early sporting passion was rather more placid.
Growing up in Dublin, he used to enjoy riding horses -- a hobby that has come full circle with his stint as the so-called "13th Jockey" for Saturday's new Pegasus World Cup in Florida.
For the trash-talking Irishman, who makes no secret of his lavish lifestyle and desire to make money, it is perhaps befitting that he has become a poster boy -- in varying states of attire -- for what is now the world's richest horse race.
In a series of four promotional films, the last of which will be shown live on race day, the 28-year-old -- tongue firmly in cheek -- has announced his plan to ride in the $12 million event, calling himself "king of the sport of kings," and drawing parallels between himself and Alexander the Great.
And then there's his desire to get naked.