Khamzat Chimaev REJECTED the chance to go on Mike Tyson's popular podcast, saying he doesn't like what's happened to him.
Tyson's Hotboxin' podcast has become a huge hit online, with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Oscar De La Hoya and Claressa Shields making big appearances.
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But up-and-coming UFC superstar Chimaev turned down the opportunity to talk to 'Iron' Mike on his show.
He isn't a massive supporter of some of Tyson's controversial antics, explaining the reasoning behind his decision on Hustle MMA.
Chimaev, though, respects the legendary boxer as a fighter and an athlete.
"Ali said Mike Tyson also wants something, but I didn't go. I didn't have much desire to do that. As a fighter, an athlete, I really like him," he said via BJ Penn.
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"But I don't like what all happened with him - the violence, the pills, the marijuana, then Muslims, it's strange.
"But I still respect him. Both as a fighter and as a person. He went through a lot of things and because of this, he broke down, did a lot of bad things.
"And no one knows what will happen to me. It can happen to anyone.
"A good, normal person, but something happens and you end up in a mental hospital. I don't judge anyone, but I just didn't want to go."
Chimaev is on his way to becoming a blockbuster draw in the UFC having won four fights in the famed Octagon.
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He made a triumphant comeback following his battle with Covid-19 by destroying Li Jingliang at UFC 267.
The 27-year-old is supposedly set to return to action within the next few months ahead of potentially challenging for UFC gold in 2022.
Featured Image Credit: Mike Tyson/Hustle MMATopics: Mike Tyson, Boxing, Khamzat Chimaev, UFC
