The viral clip of UFC legend Conor McGregor coaching Mike Tyson in boxing has sparked a debate among fans. But now, the boxing legend himself has opened up about the viral moment. Although his reaction might be a bit surprising for the fans.

One of the reasons the clip went viral was Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reaction to the video. He jokingly asked the Notorious One to teach him wrestling as well. But for Iron Mike Tyson, the session with McGregor was enlightening.

“It’s too much energy,” Mike Tyson reacts to Conor McGregor’s magnetic presence

Mike Tyson has long admired Conor McGregor, and this admiration became clear again during Tyson’s recent visit to Dublin for several public appearances. His private encounter with McGregor drew particular attention when Tyson appeared on the Paul Castronovo Show and shared his genuine thoughts about meeting the fighter.

“Man, this guy is so… I want to say charismatic, but no, explosive. Man, his energy is… all. He’s an incredible person. Man, he’s just… he’s beautiful. I very rarely have… I’ve met people like him. It’s too much energy. Energy in the eyebrow… this just energy,” said Mike Tyson.

Talking about his meeting in Ireland, Tyson revealed that Conor McGregor hosted the gathering in his lounge, and they also spent time together at McGregor’s pub, The Black Forge Inn. “It was a gathering at his place. He had a beautiful lounge. That was just awesome, and he… he hosted us there,” Tyson added.

Over the years, Tyson and Conor McGregor have developed a strong and positive bond. Tyson has often expressed admiration for McGregor, seeing in the Irish fighter a younger version of himself, as both have navigated controversies and legal challenges.

Now, both fighters are gearing up for a return. Tyson is set to step back into the boxing ring for a March matchup against Floyd Mayweather in Africa, while Conor McGregor, having completed rehab last month, is actively training for his UFC Octagon comeback at the upcoming UFC White House event.

Tyson defends McGregor’s outspoken persona

Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor are two of the most famous fighters in the world, credited with bringing global attention to their respective sports. Despite their success, both have faced legal challenges. Tyson went through bankruptcy and served time in prison, while McGregor largely avoided major legal consequences.

McGregor, however, has often drawn criticism for his trash-talking antics on social media, most notably during UFC 229. Still, Tyson does not view McGregor’s behavior as entirely wrong. In 2023, during an appearance with WWE legend The Undertaker, Tyson shared his candid thoughts on the Irish fighter.

“You have to have a gimmick. It’s real, but it’s a gimmick. The only guys that have all the money have a gimmick. Look at Conor McGregor. He has a gimmick. He’s crazy, he’s bold, it’s a gimmick. In real life, he’s a beautiful guy. Boxing is not entertainment. The fighters entertain, but after one fight is over and there’s an intermission,” Tyson said on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson.

What do you think about Tyson’s take on McGregor? Do you agree that McGregor fits the “showman” label, as Khamzat Chimaev once described him? Share your thoughts below.