Steve Erceg has repeatedly extracted applause from the world of mixed martial arts with his phenomenal skills inside the MMA cage. With 12 victories as a professional fighter, Erceg continues to climb the ladder of the UFC flyweight division. But it’s not just his fighting prowess that pulled fight fans toward him.
Erceg has fully leaned into the meme of him being compared to Michael Scott, the popular character played by Steve Carell in the American version of ‘The Office’. The meme has become so popular that the Australian has been christened ‘Michael Scott’ by many fans. However, that is not his actual nickname. His real moniker, however, is just as amusing and has to do with how he looks. Let’s find out everything that there is to Erceg’s nickname.
What is the meaning behind Steve Erceg’s nickname ‘Astroboy’
While he has become popular as Michael Scott within UFC internet circles, his real nickname is ‘Astroboy’. He was initially fascinated by Stephen Thompson’s nickname ‘Wonderboy’. He even thought of using the same moniker. However, his coach’s ex-girlfriend gave him the name ‘Astroboy’. The 28-year-old was given the nickname due to his resemblance to the popular Japanese cartoon character. But, as he sets up for his next bout, it seems a nickname change is in order.
According to UFC.com, Erceg said, “It’s not even a good story. We were brainstorming stuff, and I brought up ‘Wonderboy’ because Stephen Thompson has the same name, so I was like, ‘Oh, “Wonderboy.” What about that?’ My coach’s ex-girlfriend said, ‘Oh, what about “Astroyboy?” You kind of look like him.’ That’s literally it. It sort of stuck, and people liked it, so I took it. I don’t even think I wrote it down on my fighter card. I think one of my old corners decided to put it down. It’s stuck since.”
After being called ‘Michael Scott’ due to his resemblance to Steve Carrell and mild mannerisms by fans online, the flyweight posted a picture of himself photoshopped on Michael Scott’s picture. However, do not let his appearance deceive you. The Australian is a dangerous fighter who has greatly impressed the fighting community with his 4 fights in the UFC.
He even got the chance to fight for the flyweight championship belt. But not everything goes as planned! He fought valiantly but lost the bout. Despite the defeat, Erceg became one of the fan favorites in the UFC flyweight division. With immense support from his fiancée and father, the mixed martial artist strives to become the best in his weight class.
But did you know that Erceg actually stumbled upon mixed martial arts via the World Wrestling Entertainment or the WWE? Let’s get into it and take a look at the other lesser-known facts about ‘Astroboy’.
Other unknown facts about Steve Erceg
Steve Erceg found mixed martial arts via the WWE. As a huge WWE fan as a child, Erceg saw Brock Lesnar make his momentous and consequential transition to the UFC in 2008, which served as the Australian’s first introduction to the fledgling sport of mixed martial arts. However, Erceg fell in love with the sport after he saw Frank Mir submit the gargantuan physical specimen, Lesnar, in the first round. This made him realize just how effective MMA as a martial art was, and he was riveted. This moment proved a defining one for young Erceg, as he embarked on his MMA journey after it. “After watching one of the UFC events where Brock Lesnar fought, I just told ‘Dad, I really want to do MMA.’ So, he found an MMA gym and took me to [that] gym,” Erceg said.
But it’s not just Lesnar who inspires the flyweight star. ‘Astroboy’ also looked up to Jose Aldo, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Muhammad Ali. But in terms of pure combat, his absolute favorite fighter was Roy Jones Jr. And as far as honing his skills is concerned, he draws wisdom from fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev.
Now, the #8-ranked flyweight contender is all set to face the former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 256. Needless to say, Erceg would give it his all trying to rise victorious against ‘The Assassin Baby’. After all, the win would push him closer to a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja, and possibly, a shot at the flyweight title.
What are your thoughts on Erceg’s nickname? Do you think he can win against Moreno at UFC Fight Night 256? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
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