Former UFC standout Khamzat Chimaev made headlines recently when he declined an offer to appear on Mike Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. The reason? Chimaev cited Tyson’s turbulent past as his primary motivation for turning down the opportunity.

Despite his impressive UFC record, Chimaev explained his decision on The Hustle MMA podcast, expressing his reservations about Tyson’s history of violence, substance abuse, and controversial comments, particularly those concerning Muslims. While he holds respect for Tyson as a fighter and individual, Chimaev ultimately felt uncomfortable with the idea of participating in the podcast.

The 30-year-old fighter, who has secured notable victories in the UFC, including triumphs over Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, emphasized the unpredictable nature of life and the potential challenges that anyone may face. While he refrained from passing judgment on Tyson, Chimaev ultimately opted out of joining his podcast.

Chimaev’s choice comes as he continues to make waves in the UFC, with fans eagerly anticipating his potential shot at a title. Following his dominant win over Robert Whittaker, the buzz surrounding his future in the octagon has only intensified.