Former UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev recently declined an offer to join Mike Tyson on his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. He cited concerns about Tyson’s tumultuous past as a key factor in his decision.

Despite being a prominent figure in the UFC with an impressive track record, Chimaev showed no interest in participating in the podcast. In a discussion on The Hustle MMA podcast, he expressed admiration for Tyson as both a fighter and a person but admitted to being cautious about Tyson’s history that includes violence, substance misuse, and controversial remarks, especially regarding the Muslim community.

At 30 years old, Chimaev has made a name for himself in the UFC, boasting significant wins over fighters like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman. He emphasized the unpredictability of life, suggesting that anyone could encounter challenges regardless of their background. While he refrained from passing judgment on Tyson, Chimaev ultimately opted out of the podcast opportunity.

This decision comes as Chimaev continues to rise in the UFC ranks, with fans buzzing about his prospects for a title shot. His recent commanding performance against Robert Whittaker has only fueled the excitement surrounding his journey in the octagon.