Chimaev faces his opponent before the UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Joaquin Buckley decided to provoke Khamzat Chimaev with an unusual proposal. Annoyed by the fact that the UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) frequently publicizes his striking training but resorts to takedowns in the first few seconds of his fights, the American offered US$50 (approximately R$250) to ensure that 'The Wolf' does not attempt to take the fight to the ground in his next bout.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Buckley criticized the champion's stance, stating that all of Chimaev's investment in striking is meaningless when he quickly resorts to grappling. The prospect made it clear that he would be willing to pay the amount if the Chechen fighter remained fighting only on his feet for an entire round, without using wrestling.
See too
“Man, all this striking training you're doing, just to go for the legs in the first five seconds of the fight, is insane. So listen, Khamzat, this is what I'm going to do for you: if you can stay standing for a round, just standing, without using wrestling, I'll give you $50. That's right, $50. And in your country, in rubles, that's what, about 3 million? So you know that's good money for you… So, Khamzat, take this money or keep showing you're a coward by using wrestling in the first five seconds,” said Joaquin Buckley.
Chimaev eyes superfight with Alex Poatan in UFC
Chimaev cited Poatan when assembling the 'perfect fighter' (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Despite the amount offered by Joaquin Buckley , it is unlikely that Khamzat Chimaev will change his style and avoid grappling in his next UFC fight. The middleweight champion has already made it clear that his goal is to face Alex Poatan in a super fight for the organization's light heavyweight (up to 93kg) title.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.