Conor McGregor’s next fight will be against Michael Chandler, whose nickname is a tribute to Mike Tyson

Conor McGregor fights a man inspired by the great Mike Tyson in his return to the octagon This year.

The Irishman has been out of action since fracturing his tibia and fibula in his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, but now has a confirmed plan for his comeback, which will see him face Michael Chandler.

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UFC President Dana White announced Saturday that McGregor and Chandler will work as coaches on the company’s reality series, The Ultimate Fighter, before fighting at the end of the season.

For now, the date has not been set.

Chandler’s nickname, “Iron”, is inspired by heavyweight boxing legend “Iron” Mike Tyson.

However, he didn’t start his career with the moniker and only adopted it after meeting Tyson in person.

After his victory over Eddie Alvarez – whom McGregor later beat – for the Bellator lightweight title in 2011, Chandler spotted a long line of people as he walked with a friend through a mall in Las Vegas.

It turned out the line led to a Tyson autograph signing.

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“Tyson gave me advice,” Chandler revealed.

“He just said, ‘Champion, it’s easy to come up. Then as soon as you get the belt and everyone is shooting at you. Every person looks at you, wakes up, thinks about fighting you, goes to bed, thinks about fighting you.

“He said, ‘You’ve got this big target on your back. This should motivate you. You have to do things well. You have to work hard.

Tyson earned the nickname “Iron Mike” in his prime as boxing’s heavyweight king, tearing up the division and becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986.

Now Chandler is the hunter again, rather than the hunted, as he will look to take McGregor’s scalp later this year.

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