Khamzat Chimaev sheds light on being once offered to meet Andrew Tate when he didn't know who he was: "I was in fight camp at that time I think"

Khamzat Chimaev recently revealed what happened when he was approached for a meeting with Andrew Tate. It turns out that the rising UFC middleweight contender, who maintains a laser focus on honing his fighting skills, was not intrigued by the idea of meeting the controversial influencer.

During a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev said that he and Tate were in Dubai in 2022 when the incident occurred. He explained:

"Well, when I was in Dubai for the first time, I think they offered me to meet [Andrew Tate]. At the time, I didn't know who he was at all. I think it was a couple of years ago when he lived in Dubai, it was, maybe, 2022." [Translated from Russian]

He added:

"They told me some famous person [wanted to meet me], they invited me. I said, 'If I don't know the person and I don't know what to talk about, what he's like, if he's an athlete or not.' I just immediately said, 'Guys, I can't. I need to train.' I was in fihgt camp at the time, I think... Preparing [for a fight]." [Translated from Russian]

Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (40:21):

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Khamzat Chimaev shares his thoughts on Andrew Tate's opinions

Andrew Tate has emerged as a polarizing figure on the internet in recent years. The retired kickboxer is known for his controversial views on sensitive issues like the role of women in relationships and society, as well as complex geopolitical issues, among others.

While some internet users seem to agree with him, others have criticized his opinions. When asked how he felt about Tate's views in the aforementioned interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khamzat Chimaev said:

"It's interesting and with charisma... If a person performs on stage, in sports, or wherever he is, it can be interesting. Everyone has his opinion. He tells his opinion to people and some like it... Some don't like it. I don't even know what to say." [Translated from Russian] [41:45]

Zubayraev asked Chimaev if he would like to get a picture with Tate. Chimaev replied:

"It's not important for me. If he's a good person then good for him." [Translated from Russian] [42:15]

Chimaev's professional MMA journey has been challenging in recent years. Heading into the Robert Whittaker fight at UFC 308, the Chechen-born fighter candidly admitted to his battle with physical and mental health issues. With the first-round submission win over Whittaker, he inserted his name in the top three of the middleweight division's rankings and became a frontrunner for the title shot.