There were a host of luminaries in attendance in Moscow for Monday morning’s (NZ time) Football World Cup Final between France and Croatia, but the red carpet treatment was seemingly reserved for MMA superstar Conor McGregor.
The Irishman was invited to Russian President Vladimir Putin's private viewing suite at Luzhniki Stadium, where he took full advantage of the hospitality on offer and even posed for some snaps with the man himself.
The Irishman took to social media to express his gratitude and posted a pair of pictures, as he soaked up the occasion.
"Today I was invited to the World Cup final as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin," McGregor said via Instagram.
"This man is one of the greatest leaders of our time and I was honored to attend such a landmark event alongside him.
"Today was an honor for me Mr. Putin. Thank you and congratulations on an amazing World Cup."
Curiously, Russian MMA sensation Khabib Nurmagamedov, who's shaping as McGregor's most likely next opponent, also attended, but was snubbed by his president, instead watching France's 4-2 win from the stands.
Rumours of the impending lightweight title match-up have been swirling for months and gained further momentum on Sunday, after McGregor posted a video to social media entering Moscow with the caption "My Russian compound is taking shape".
An October 26 date in Las Vegas has been mooted for McGregor's long-awaited opening defence of his 155lb strap against Nurmagamedov, who's currently ona 26-fight undefeated streak. He hasn't fought since defeating Eddie Alvarez to secure the title in November 2016.
McGregor has still to answer charges relating to an incident in April, during which he threw a barrier at a bus carrying UFC fighters.
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