UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Alerted With $50K Challenge from Joaquin Buckley

Welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley calls out Khamzat Chimaev for a standup striking exchange with a financial wager.

UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Alerted With $50K Challenge from Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley lays out challenge for Khamzat Chimaev (via Yahoo Sports, Bloody Elbow)

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Ever since Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319, his position at the top of the division has attracted immediate attention. Multiple contenders have publicly called for a chance to challenge him. Chimaev’s rise has elevated him to one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Among the latest to speak up is Joaquin Buckley, who issued a callout tied to a unique stipulation.

Chimaev won the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in a performance centered on relentless grappling control. The fight was widely viewed as one of the most dominant grappling displays in UFC history. Chimaev dictated every phase of the contest from start to finish. Despite the dominance, the bout received criticism for being overly grappling-heavy and lacking an entertainment factor.

Buckley is one of the most outspoken personalities on the UFC roster with an active social media presence. He primarily competes in the welterweight division but has shown interest in facing top middleweights. He recently called out the Chechen superstar after watching footage of his pad work and boxing. The challenge focused on a standup exchange with a financial wager involved.

All that wrestling you’re doing right there, man, just to shoot in the first five seconds of the fight is crazy work. So look Khamzat, this is what I’m gonna do for you. If you [are] able to stay on your feet for one round, just on your feet and not use your wrestling, I’ll give you fifty thousand dollars. Oh, you heard me right. So Khamzat, take that money or still show that you’re a punk by using that wrestling in the first five seconds.

Joaquin Buckley via X

Buckley also directed attention toward the No. 2-ranked middleweight contender, Nassourdine Imavov. He proposed that Imavov match the wager to raise the stakes to $100,000. Imavov is widely viewed as the most logical challenger in the division. Chimaev has publicly acknowledged him as a legitimate contender after the Dagestani’s recent performance at UFC Paris.

This is not the first time tensions have existed between Chimaev and Buckley. In 2022, Buckley was involved in a backstage altercation with Chimaev’s teammate Darren Till. The incident escalated behind the scenes and drew attention within the MMA community. Following the altercation, Chimaev issued a strict and violent warning toward the Missouri native.

The situation unfolds with broader implications for both fighters’ careers. Khamzat Chimaev is expected to be sidelined until the middle of next year due to injury. Joaquin Buckley is coming off a loss to Kamaru Usman in his most recent UFC appearance. He also suffered a recent loss to Patrick Downey in a wrestling match at RAF 3, adding context to his current competitive momentum.

Khamzat Chimaev lays out his future championship plans

The pursuit of championships in multiple divisions has become a growing trend in the UFC. Fighters are increasingly chasing status across weight classes rather than focusing on long title reigns. Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev stand out as prominent examples of this approach. As a result, several divisions have experienced periods of stagnation at the top.

Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev (via Bloody Elbow)

Chimaev has yet to defend his middleweight title, and there have been no official announcements regarding his next fight. His prolonged layoff has slowed movement within the division. During this time, Chimaev has spoken publicly about moving up in weight. He recently expressed interest in a potential superfight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

I want for sure one more fight, and then I’m going to go one more weight class up. One more fight, and I move up next fight.

Khamzat Chimaev via ESPN MMA

The tension between Chimaev and Pereira has continued to build over time. Chimaev has taken repeated shots at Pereira since the champion declined a fight against him. However, ‘Poatan’ instead suggested a grappling-only bout for charity. The back-and-forth has sustained interest in a potential clash. It also highlights the uncertainty surrounding Chimaev’s long-term direction across divisions.

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