Former UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev recently declined an invitation to join Mike Tyson on his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. Chimaev cited the boxing icon’s controversial past as a primary reason for his decision.
Despite his impressive track record in the UFC, Chimaev was not swayed by the chance to be a guest on the popular podcast. In a discussion on The Hustle MMA podcast, he acknowledged his respect for Tyson both as an athlete and a person. However, he expressed concerns about Tyson’s history, which includes episodes of violence, struggles with substance abuse, and some polarizing comments, especially regarding Muslim communities.
The 30-year-old fighter, celebrated for his victories over high-profile opponents like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, emphasized the unpredictability of life and the challenges that can arise for anyone. While he refrained from passing judgment on Tyson, Chimaev ultimately chose not to engage in the podcast.
Chimaev’s choice comes at a time when he is generating significant buzz in the UFC, with fans eager to see if he will contend for a title soon. His recent impressive win against Robert Whittaker has only heightened interest in what lies ahead for him in the octagon.
