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Khamzat Chimaev manhandles UFC GOAT Demetrious Johnson with 60lb advantage in submission match

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 1:10 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev showed Demetrious Johnson just how important weight classes are in fighting as the pair competed in an impromptu grappling match.

The undefeated middleweight champion has been training in California for his first title defence, which takes place on May 9 against Sean Strickland. And in recent days, he has been working out with Johnson, who was just announced as the latest inductee in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Luckily for fans, Bear Degidio from the Jaxxon Podcast was on hand to record as Johnson and Chimaev took part in a light body spar. And then things got really exciting as they took part in a full ‘submission wrestling’ match on the mats in the gym.

Khamzat Chimaev takes on Demetrious Johnson in grappling match

At the end of a training session in recent days, Khamzat Chimaev and Demetrious Johnson decided to take part in an impromptu submission grappling match. Johnson is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, but competed primarily at 125lb while Chimaev is the 185lb champion.

Johnson almost instantly got himself on to his back, turning into half guard while Chimaev looked for position from the top. Eventually, the middleweight champion found himself in the right spot to get to the flyweight’s neck.

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With Degidio shouting ‘don’t submit’ and ‘fight’, Johnson replied “I am,” while spinning his way out of danger. And it appeared that by the end of the brief video that he didn’t tap out, despite being in a Darce choke position.

The video followed a previous upload from Degidio in which Chimaev and Johnson competed in a standup touch spar. There, the size difference was patently clear as the much smaller American looked even less than five weight classes below a rival who has ambitions to compete for a belt at 205lb.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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