"One round, just on your feet" - Khamzat Chimaev receives daring $50K challenge from welterweight knockout artist

Khamzat Chimaev (pictured) is one of the most feared grappler in MMA. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]
Khamzat Chimaev (pictured) is one of the most feared grapplers in MMA. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

Recent training footage of Khamzat Chimaev has prompted a feared knockout artist to issue a fiery proposition. According to the challenge, 'Borz' should avoid using an integral part of his MMA repertoire for at least one round.

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Earlier this week, welterweight fighter Joaquin Buckley took to X, slamming Chimaev over one of his striking training videos. As 'New Mansa' sees it, there is no point in doing pad work if the Chechen-born Emirati plans to implement a grappling-heavy approach from the get-go.

Reacting to the training video, Buckley issued a daring challenge for 'Borz':

"Man, all that striking you're doing there, just to shoot in the first five seconds of the fight, is crazy work. So, Khamzat, look, this is what I'm going to do for you. If you're able to stay on your feet for one round, just on your feet and not use wrestling, I'll give you $50,000. Oh, you heard me right, $50,000."
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'New Mansa' then urged Chimaev's potential next opponent Nassourdine Imavov to match the offer:

"Nassourdine, if you're able to match, that means that's $100,000. So Khamzat, take that money or still show that you're a punk by using that wrestling in the first five seconds."

Check out Joaquin Buckley's challenge to Khamzat Chimaev below:

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Chimaev is one of the more aggressive grapplers in the UFC and often finds finishes. However, his middleweight title win against Dricus du Plessis didn't go down too well with the fandom.

Chimaev resorted to holding 'Stillknocks' for the majority of the bout, racking up a total control time of 21:40. While he did get the South African in crucifix positions multiple times, he couldn't find a finish.


When Khamzat Chimaev confronted Joaquin Buckley for challenging Darren Till

Khamzat Chimaev had a heated altercation with Joaquin Buckley in the lead-up to UFC 273 after 'New Mansa' challenged his friend and then training partner, Darren Till, for a fight.

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Buckley approached Till and Chimaev backstage during the UFC 273 weigh-ins, trying to lock in a future matchup with 'The Gorilla'. The pair ultimately shook hands to run it during a UFC London event.

Chimaev, however, didn't seem to appreciate the American's energy and issued a stern warning as the security stepped in, sensing an escalation:

"Hey, let's fight now. You wanna play gangster? I'll f**k you up, man."

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Edited by Ujwal Jain
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