Khabib Nurmagomedov tells Mike Tyson the names of 3 athletes who inspired him immensely
![Mike Tyson (far left) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (second from left), Muhammad Ali (top right), Ronaldo Nazario (bottom right) [Left Image Courtesy: @khabib_nurmagomedov on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/08/65336-16279787915272-800.jpg?w=500)
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently made an appearance on boxing legend Mike Tyson's 'Hotboxin with Mike Tyson' podcast. In doing so, Nurmagomedov claimed that he fulfilled a lifelong dream of sitting down with Mike Tyson and having a conversation about life.
Khabib Nurmagomedov also stated that Mike Tyson is one of the three athletes who inspired him immensely to achieve greatness - the other two being Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Nazario and another boxing legend, Muhammad Ali.
In conversation with Mike Tyson, Henry Cejudo and Ali Abdelaziz during the podcast, Khabib Nurmagomedov said:
"Three athletes who inspired me like crazy - It was Brazilian Ronaldo, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. I met two of them, but, I [didn't] have a chance to meet Muhammad Ali... I hope, like next life [I get to meet him]." Mike Tyson chimed in, asserting with confidence that Khabib Nurmagomedov would have absolutely loved meeting Muhammad Ali. Claiming that he believes he will meet Muhammad Ali, Khabib Nurmagomedov said, "I really believe, next life, I'm gonna meet with him [Muhammad Ali]."
Watch the interaction below:
Besides Khabib Nurmagomedov, Mike Tyson himself drew inspiration from Muhammad Ali
Mike Tyson has been extremely vocal about the impact that Muhammad Ali had on his life. Undoubtedly, 'The Greatest' Muhamad Ali became a cult icon because of his exceptional skills inside the ring and the persona he weaved about himself outside the ring.
Muhammad Ali used the platform he earned to inspire people by sticking to his beliefs and standing for what he felt was right. He emerged as a hero as he battled racism with outspoken beliefs and a 'never quit' attitude.
Ali's life inspired many for generations to come, including a young Mike Tyson. When Mike Tyson was only fourteen years old, he promised Muhammad Ali that he would defeat Larry Holmes and avenge Ali's loss at the hands of the heavyweight boxer. For those who might not be aware, Larry Holmes defeated Muhammad Ali in one of his last appearances inside the ring.
Ali's life has been heavily documented, and the late boxer continues to inspire many more like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Mike Tyson.