Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has a different take on UFC superstar Conor McGregor - after watching the MMA fighter make his professional boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather Jr. last Saturday night.
At the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, McGregor was able to put in a better than expected showing - but ultimately faded in the late rounds and was stopped during the tenth.
There were many who felt the contest would be a complete massacre, including Tyson.
During a recent appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast - which took place before the fight - Tyson said McGregor was an idiot for trying to take on Mayweather.
"McGregor is going to get killed boxing," Tyson said. "Boxing? I got mad because I thought they were going to use MMA rules against boxing because that's what it's all about: Can the boxer beat the MMA guy?"
"[McGregor] put his dumb ass in a position where he's gonna get knocked out because [Mayweather has] been doing this all his life since he was a baby. [McGregor] can't kick and grab and stuff ... He's not going to stand much of a chance."
However, Tyson's opinions have now changed.
On SiriusXM Rush, Tyson was interviewed by host Luke Thomas and explained that he now has a much greater level of respect for McGregor and his boxing abilities.
Luke Thomas: “What did you think of McGregor’s performance?”
Mike Tyson: “I think he did great.”
Thomas: “What would you give him a grade of?”
Tyson: “Oh man, he got an A. He did great. … A guy that never did that before and he went 10 rounds.”
Thomas: “What did you make of the fact that he got finished. That’s to be expected, right? Because it is his pro debut.”
Tyson: “Yeah but he should have went down. The guy stopped it a little too quick.”
Thomas: Do you think McGregor should box again?”
Tyson: “Well he’s capable … He can do it if he wants to.”
Thomas: “Would you recommend that, or go back to UFC?”
Tyson: “I would say go back to the UFC but if you get paid more money boxing, I would box.”