Chimaev And Johnson Showcase Elite Grappling

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 6:21 AM ET

Undefeated UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev and former flyweight king Demetrious Johnson engaged in a high-level submission wrestling session.

Chimaev welcomed Johnson to his California training base. The meeting came just three days after Johnson was officially announced as the newest inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during the UFC Seattle broadcast. Despite a massive weight difference—Chimaev currently walks around near 200 lbs while Johnson competes at 135–145 lbs—the session was a chess match.

Operating from his back, “Mighty Mouse” used a highly active half-guard to prevent Chimaev’s suffocating top pressure. Chimaev eventually used his reach to isolate Johnson’s neck, locking in a deep D’Arce choke that looked terminal. In a display of the composure, Johnson refused to panic, spinning through the pressure to reset the position and avoid the tap-out.

The Grappling

After the news that he will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Demetrious Johnson has opened up about the specific achievements that holds the most weight in his career. While fans point to his “flying arm bar” submission of Ray Borg or his record of 11 consecutive title defenses as his greatest feats, Johnson himself views his career through a different lens.

The 39-year-old revealed that consistency is what he values the most. While current champions like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are currently chasing his divisional records, Johnson’s streak of 2,142 days as the flyweight champ remains one of the most statistically difficult feats.

Johnson’s Legacy

“Just my consistency (is the best part of my career). Making weight, passing every drug test, defending the belt. Just being consistent every single night I stepped inside that octagon. I think a lot of people don’t realize, I think it was said by Matt Hughes, but it’s easy to become a champion and stay a champion and be consistent.

“Now when you look at it, it’s maybe two, three, four consecutive title defenses. Obviously there’s more things about that because everyone wants to be a double champ or triple champ and all that stuff. But to be consistent every single night when I competed is probably one thing that’ll be close to my heart,” Johnson said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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