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25th May 2017

Everyone’s favourite astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is not to be messed with

This scientist will mess you up

Darragh Murphy

As astrophysicists go, Neil deGrasse Tyson must be up there with the most capable of handling themselves in a street fight.

DeGrasse Tyson is one of the most recognisable scientists on the planet and regularly appears on television, radio and podcasts to break down seemingly incomprehensible facts about the universe into easily understandable analogies.

He makes science fun but, don’t get it twisted, he will fuck you up if you mess with him.

The former host of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey wasn’t just burying his head in books as a youngster. He also happened to captain his high school wrestling team.

Balancing his work on the mat with his role as editor-in-chief of the Physical Science Journal, deGrasse Tyson definitely learned some tricks that would see him out the right end of any physical altercations.

The 58-year-old took to the UFC Unfiltered podcast this week to show off what he remembered from his days as an accomplished wrestler, with former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra acting as his training partner.

Serra holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie but even he was impressed with deGrasse Tyson’s grappling prowess.

Let this be a lesson to all schoolyard bullies out there… Don’t get stuck into those getting better grades than you because they might just kick your arse.