Boxing legend Mike Tyson has offered some advice to Conor McGregor ahead of his UFC comeback, explaining how he should build his confidence back.
McGregor, who's on a two-fight losing skid, is closing in on his Octagon return following his leg injury.
He hasn't fought since last summer when he suffered a gruesome first round defeat to rival Dustin Poirier.
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The Irishman is eyeing the likes of UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and UFC welterweight title holder Kamaru Usman.
But 'Iron' Mike believes the 33-year-old should get 'three wins' under his belt to build his confidence before challenging the higher level fighters.
Speaking to Henry Cejudo on The Fight Card podcast, he said: "After a defeat, you should do a couple of fights to get your feet wet.
"Conor, I think you should build your confidence up and go do what you do: win excitingly."
Cejudo then suggested Tony Ferguson as a potential opponent for McGregor, but Tyson thinks that's a 'tough' fight for the 'Notorious'.
He added: "Well, that’s a tough fight. 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."
Former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre reckons McGregor can return to his best, advicing him to take himself out of his comfort zone.
"I think it's possible, yeah!" He told SPORTbible. "I think he can do it. It's hard when your belly is full and you go eat at the buffet.
"I think you need to take himself out of his comfort zone and do a training camp and go back to his old route."
Topics: Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson, UFC, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar