In a surprising turn of events, former UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev has declined an invitation to join Mike Tyson on his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. Chimaev cited Tyson’s tumultuous past as a major factor in his decision.
Chimaev, who boasts an impressive track record in the UFC, made it clear that he was not interested in the opportunity, despite its appeal. During an appearance on The Hustle MMA podcast, he conveyed his respect for Tyson as both a fighter and a person. However, he expressed concerns regarding Tyson’s history, which includes incidents of violence, issues with substance abuse, and controversial comments—especially those directed towards the Muslim community.
The 30-year-old athlete, known for his notable victories, including bouts against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, pointed out the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that anyone can face challenges. While he refrained from passing judgment on Tyson, Chimaev ultimately felt it was best to decline the invitation to appear on the podcast.
This decision comes at a time when Chimaev is making headlines in the UFC, with fans eagerly awaiting his potential title shot. His recent impressive win over Robert Whittaker has only fueled the excitement surrounding his future in the sport.
