Khamzat Chimaev showed his power and control in a short grappling session with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson. The exchange lasted just 47 seconds and ended with Johnson tapping to a D’arce choke.
Fast, One-Sided Grappling
The two trained together in California while Chimaev prepares for his first title defense. Before they rolled, Johnson joked with Chimaev, asking, “Did Arman tell you I was good? Arman, tell you I was strong?”
Chimaev, a 31-year-old Chechen who holds the UFC middleweight title, moved quickly. He secured a front headlock and then slipped into a D’arce choke. Johnson tapped out after 47 seconds.
Size Made the Difference
Johnson is one of the most technical fighters in MMA history, but the size gap was clear. The 39-year-old made his name at 125 pounds. Chimaev is the 185-pound champion. Even with elite skill, closing that physical gap was a big challenge for Johnson.
After the roll, Johnson answered critics who wondered why he did not shoot for a takedown. “You guys are like ‘man, why did he pull guard?’” Johnson said. “Do you think I’m going to shoot a f*cking takedown on Khamzat Chimaev?”
Johnson’s Legacy and Current Status
Johnson is now retired from active competition. He will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. That honor recognizes his long career and his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
What’s Next for Chimaev
Chimaev has his eyes on the future. He is scheduled to defend his middleweight title against former champion Sean Strickland on May 9 at the Prudential Center. The fight is the main event of UFC 328.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Khamzat Chimaev | Forced Demetrious Johnson to tap via D’arce choke in a 47-second grappling session; preparing to defend middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9 |
| Demetrious Johnson | Tapped to Chimaev in training; retired and set for 2026 UFC Hall of Fame induction |
The short session was a clear reminder of how much weight classes and size matter in combat sports. For fans, it was also a glimpse of Chimaev’s form as he gets ready for a high-profile title defense at UFC 328.
