The internet was buzzing after a playful yet surprising moment between former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and internet sensation Hasbulla Magomedov. In a clip that quickly went viral, Tyson is seen picking up Hasbulla and treating him like a baby, even pretending to bite his ear in his signature playful style. Tyson later admitted he thought Hasbulla, who is actually 20 years old, was a baby at the time, leading to a lighthearted misunderstanding that captivated fans worldwide. Let’s dive into the details of this hilarious encounter and the unique personalities involved.
Who Is Hasbulla, and Why Is He Famous?
Hasbulla Magomedov, known widely as “Mini Khabib” due to his close ties with UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, is a social media phenomenon. Despite his small stature, Hasbulla has become a huge internet personality. Standing at just 102 centimeters tall due to a growth hormone deficiency, Hasbulla’s appearance often leads people to assume he is much younger than his actual age. However, he’s a charismatic 20-something with a knack for humor and a love for sparring with celebrities. His confidence and larger-than-life attitude make him an unforgettable character on social media, where he’s amassed millions of fans.
The Viral Moment on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson
The memorable clip emerged from an episode of Tyson’s podcast, Hotboxin’, where Hasbulla made a guest appearance. During the show, Tyson and Hasbulla engaged in a bit of playful sparring, much to the delight of viewers. In one especially viral moment, Tyson lifted Hasbulla, cuddled him like a baby, and pretended to bite his ear—a playful nod to his infamous match with Evander Holyfield.
It wasn’t until after the interaction that Tyson admitted he genuinely thought Hasbulla was a baby. His initial reaction was full of warmth and affection, which might explain why he automatically treated him as he would a small child. Tyson later explained on The Art of Ward podcast that he had no idea about Hasbulla’s actual age or condition, admitting with a chuckle, “I thought it was a baby. I had no idea!”
Tyson’s Reaction: “I Thought He Was a Baby”
For Tyson, who’s known for his fierce presence in the boxing ring, his playful side can come as a surprise to some. Tyson explained that his initial response to Hasbulla’s appearance was based on how he naturally acts around kids. He affectionately recounted that he had no idea Hasbulla was actually in his 20s, saying, “That’s how I am with children. I’m hugging on this guy, and he’s like 26 years old. I knew nothing at all!”
While Hasbulla’s youthful looks are part of his charm, they also make him a curious figure to those who aren’t familiar with his story. Tyson’s mix-up highlights just how unassuming Hasbulla can be in person, even to someone as well-known as Tyson.
Hasbulla’s Reaction: Laughing It Off and Looking Forward to Next Time
Despite the mix-up, Hasbulla took it all in stride. He’s known for his fun-loving personality and didn’t appear fazed by the playful handling. In fact, Hasbulla mentioned that he’d love to meet Tyson again in the future and promised that their next encounter would be “even bigger.” He seemed thrilled to have had the chance to engage with Tyson, treating the misunderstanding as nothing more than a funny story.
For Hasbulla, who has dealt with misconceptions his entire life due to his dwarfism, moments like these aren’t unusual. He once said of his condition, “I can’t say that I’m handicapped. I can speak, I understand. I have arms and legs just like others.” His response to the Tyson interaction shows his resilience and positive outlook on life, taking humor from situations that others might find awkward.
Mike Tyson’s Unique Perspective on Aging and His Upcoming Bout
Beyond the playful moment with Hasbulla, Tyson also touched on his upcoming fight against Jake Paul on the podcast. Although now 58 years old, Tyson feels as fierce and fit as ever. He brushed off concerns about his age, emphasizing that his training regimen keeps him in peak form. Tyson shared, “I don’t think I’m 58. Do you think I feel 58 when I’m fighting these young guys in the gym?”
Tyson’s confidence and self-assurance are trademarks of his boxing career. Referring to himself as a “different species of human being,” Tyson promised fans that his next fight would be nothing short of spectacular. He seems determined to prove that age is just a number, and his mindset, honed over decades of intense training, remains as sharp as ever.
The Endearing Mix-Up: Why Fans Loved the Tyson-Hasbulla Encounter
The interaction between Tyson and Hasbulla touched fans for several reasons. First, it showed a softer side of Tyson, reminding viewers of his warm and caring nature, especially around those he believes to be children. His genuine reaction, combined with Hasbulla’s playful spirit, made the moment a perfect blend of humor and heart.
This encounter also highlighted the unique charm of Hasbulla, whose personality shines through in every video and interview. He’s a reminder of how embracing one’s differences can lead to unexpected fame and opportunities. Tyson’s reaction to meeting Hasbulla—mistaking him for a child but quickly embracing him as an equal—demonstrated the beauty of unscripted, human moments in the world of celebrity.
Conclusion: A Meeting of Giants (In Spirit, If Not Stature)
The viral encounter between Mike Tyson and Hasbulla is a testament to the unpredictable and often hilarious nature of celebrity interactions. Tyson’s genuine surprise and Hasbulla’s lighthearted response created an unforgettable moment that resonated with fans worldwide. Tyson may have initially seen Hasbulla as a child, but he quickly learned that this 20-something internet sensation is far more than he appears.
Both Tyson and Hasbulla show us that humor, resilience, and open-heartedness transcend appearances. Their meeting, with Tyson’s legendary ear-biting antics and Hasbulla’s unbreakable spirit, was a memorable event that fans won’t soon forget. This delightful misunderstanding has left everyone eager to see what happens the next time these two meet.
