Steve Erceg Nickname ‘Astroboy’: Meaning Behind the UFC Star’s Moniker

Steve Erceg has repeatedly extracted applause from the world of mixed martial arts with his phenomenal fighting 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 the 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.

Story and meaning behind Steve Erceg’s nickname, ‘AstroBoy’

While he has become popular as Michael Scott on the 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 to face Kai Kara-France, it seems a nickname change is on order.

After being called ‘Michael Scott’ due to his middle-aged dad looks 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 World Wrestling Entertainment? Let’s get right into it!

What inspired Steve Erceg to take up MMA?

Steve Erceg found MMA 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, Brock 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.

In his last fight, however, Erceg faced defeat via unanimous decision at the hands of Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301. Getting a shot at the title with just 3 fights in the UFC was a pretty commendable feat. It was his first loss after a massive 11-fight win streak in his professional record. But the Australian fighter now has a chance to overturn his 1-fight losing streak at UFC 305, as he gets ready to take on Kai Kara-France.

What are your thoughts on Erceg’s nickname? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.