![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1243141231.jpg)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 10: Khamzat Chimaev speaks to the media following their UFC 279 win on September 9, 2022, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1243141231.jpg)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 10: Khamzat Chimaev speaks to the media following their UFC 279 win on September 9, 2022, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has been quite outspoken about his substance issues and problems with it in his life. The former heavyweight champion had a dark past with a lifestyle filled with drugs and money. However, he has come a long way since then, now becoming a family man and far different from the person he was before. Despite this, UFC welterweight contender and one of its rising stars, Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t hold Tyson in very high regard. Moreover, in a recent interview, he even made some comments on ‘Iron’ Mike that many would consider distasteful. Furthermore, he revealed that he refused to appear on Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’.
Khamzat Chimaev comments on Mike Tyson’s past
In an interview video reuploaded by ‘Left Hook Club’ on Instagram, Chimaev reveals that he was requested to appear as a guest on Mike Tyson’s podcast. However, he claimed that he did not have any desire to go there. He added that although he liked Tyson as a fighter, his history of substance abuse while being a Muslim was wrong according to the Chechen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I didn’t have much desire to do that, as a fighter, as an athlete, I like him, but I don’t like what happened with him. The violence, the pills, the marijuana. Then a Muslim, it’s strange. I still respect him,” said Chimaev. These were some hard-hitting comments by Chiamev who has become somewhat of a villain in the combat sports world. Moreover, the fans were quick to make their feelings known as they slammed the UFC contender for these comments on ‘Iron Mike’
Fans slam Khamzat Chimaev for comments on Mike Tyson
One fan asked Chimaev to conduct himself in a professional manner before he commented on other people. “Conduct yourself like a professional before you go hating on people you do not know,” he wrote.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1241362937.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 16: Mike Tyson is seen on June 16, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)
Another fan stated that the Chechen cannot judge Tyson’s past because he is not his god. “That’s not your business, you are not his god,” he wrote.
One fan even pointed out Chimaev’s recent weight-cut debacle ahead of his scheduled fight against Nate Diaz. “Nobody wants to see a guy who can’t make weight anyway stay in wherever you’re from,” he wrote.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Lost Picture of Mike Tyson Getting the Iconic Face Tattoo Resurfaces
Lastly, one fan claimed that Chimaev would soon be public enemy number one in the Western world. “It’s only a matter of time before Chimaev becomes public enemy number 1 in the Western world,” he wrote.
The fans were not happy at Chimaev’s comments on the heavyweight legend. However, given that he has somewhat embraced the role of the villain in the MMA world, he could take the heat from fans. Despite this, commenting on Tyson’s past was not well received by the fans, who were quick to criticize him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did you think about Chiamev’s take on Tyson’s past? Let us know in the comments.
Watch Out for More: Mike Tyson Stuns with His “Conspiracy” Take on the Mysterious Mona Lisa