UFC legend Vitor Bealfort described Mike Tyson, a "very exposed human being" and was angry that "a lot of people don’t protect him".
They have worked together before with Belfort teaching the MMA ringmaster the ropes.
Belfort spoke exclusively to SunSport and revealed that the pair discussed their respective 'hardships’ during downtime.
Tyson was convicted of rape and spent three years in prison.
He continues to deny this and has since made a remarkable comeback to the boxing ring, culminating with a sensational return in November 2020.
Belfort, 44 years old, shared his thoughts about their conversations. It was personal, about hardships, and a man who has been through hardships.
Although he is an exceptional person, I will not share the details of our conversation with him. Mike Tyson is very vulnerable and many people don't protect his privacy.
"But I can assure you that Mike Tyson lived a life that was just to be alive, and that we should take that as an example of how 'if it's possible, it is possible'.
Belfort was recently in boxing action himself - in an intensely-criticised exhibition fight against Evander Holyfield.
The 58-year old former heavyweight king had already defeated him twice, but thankfully the fight was stopped in the first round.
Belfort, despite his sporting cross-over, does not want Tyson to try out for MMA at 55.
He said, "He would need to learn the ground and do the wrestling. It's a completely different sport, a totally different ballgame. It is very difficult.
"Don't get me wrong, I don't think that it would be a good idea."
Tyson previously teased that he might be fighting in MMA, and training footage shows him sparring in the octagon.
Belfort seems to want it to be sparring in the gym, and nothing else.
Tyson doesn't have to be focused on boxing or training, but he can continue his cannabis business.
