Conor McGregor looks closer than ever to returning to the Octagon after suffering a horrific broken fibula during his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 last July. So who will he face in his comeback fight?
The former dual UFC champion hasn't been shy about challenging welterweight titlist Kamaru Usman. Many have shaken their heads at the idea considering it's a steep challenge for McGregor coming right out of the shoot from a significant injury against the best welterweight in the world. But none have been more vocal than former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
During an appearance on "The Fight Card" podcast with former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, Tyson feels McGregor needs to ease back into competition before jumping back in with the elite of the UFC.
“After a defeat, you should do a couple of fights to get your feet wet,” Tyson told Cejudo. "Conor, I think you should build your confidence up and go do what you do: win excitingly.”
Cejudo says to Tyson that since McGregor has lost three of his last four contests, he should face former interim lightweight titlist Tony Ferguson, who is coming off a second-round knockout to Michael Chandler at UFC 274 and lost consecutive fights. Tyson even dismissed Cejudo's theory because of the danger Ferguson possesses. Instead, Tyson believes McGregor should take a couple of fights against lower opposition, work his way back up, and take on stiffer competition each time out.
The former dual UFC champion hasn't been shy about challenging welterweight titlist Kamaru Usman. Many have shaken their heads at the idea considering it's a steep challenge for McGregor coming right out of the shoot from a significant injury against the best welterweight in the world. But none have been more vocal than former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
During an appearance on "The Fight Card" podcast with former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, Tyson feels McGregor needs to ease back into competition before jumping back in with the elite of the UFC.
“After a defeat, you should do a couple of fights to get your feet wet,” Tyson told Cejudo. "Conor, I think you should build your confidence up and go do what you do: win excitingly.”
Cejudo says to Tyson that since McGregor has lost three of his last four contests, he should face former interim lightweight titlist Tony Ferguson, who is coming off a second-round knockout to Michael Chandler at UFC 274 and lost consecutive fights. Tyson even dismissed Cejudo's theory because of the danger Ferguson possesses. Instead, Tyson believes McGregor should take a couple of fights against lower opposition, work his way back up, and take on stiffer competition each time out.
“Well, that’s a tough fight,” Tyson said. “He’s a warrior, regardless if he loses. He makes exciting fights. It’s hard to beat that guy. … No big-time guy. Let him get three fights and build his confidence back up. Every fight, the opponent goes to a higher level.”