Joaquin Buckley Challenges Khamzat Chimaev: 'Stay on Your Feet for One Round and I’ll Give You $50,000'

Joaquin Buckley isn’t just calling out the best fighters in the world he’s putting cash on the line to prove a point. The rising welterweight contender (21-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) has aimed his latest challenge directly at UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, daring the undefeated star to stand with him for a single round without wrestling.

Buckley, known for his highlight-reel knockouts and relentless callouts. Went public with the challenge in an Instagram video. Once again showing his willingness to poke at the UFC’s most dangerous names.

Buckley mocked Chimaev’s recent striking footage by predicting “The Wolf” would immediately shoot for a takedown as he often does and laid down a financial bet. “Man, all that striking you doing right there, just to shoot in the first five seconds of the fight is crazy work,” Buckley said.

“So look, Khamzat, 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 your wrestling, I’ll give you $50,000.”

Joaquin Buckley even converted the amount for Chimaev’s native currency. “Oh, you heard me right: $50,000. And in your country, rubles, what’s that? About 3 million? So you know that’s good money for y’all.”

He also roped in Nassourdine Imavov, suggesting the contender could match the offer raising the stakes to potentially $100,000.

Buckley closed with a message promising more heat after he gets booked again: “Khamzat, take that money or show you’re a punk by using that wrestling in the first five seconds… I’ve got to get another fight, but when I get one, I’m on your a--.”