Arman Tsarukyan recently opened up about his experience grappling with Khamzat Chimaev – giving fans a rare insight into the dominant middleweight champion’s ground game.
While the two fighters are unlikely to ever meet inside the Octagon due to weight class differences, they did square off during a reality show last year where they served as opposing coaches.
As part of the show, they engaged in a grappling match – and according to Tsarukyan, Chimaev’s strength and technique were every bit as overwhelming as his reputation suggests.
Here is what Tsarukyan had to say of the experience:
We had a (grappling) match with him. It’ll be part of the (Hype Reality) project. And in addition to the wrestling, I felt his power, too.
He is very strong, powerful and he weighs I think about 100 kilograms…
He can take you down well, control; breathes well.Such as wrestling work with control and at the same (time), uses grappling very well, especially in chokes.
He has two very solid techniques. He chokes from the position, the position that it’s better not to be in.
Arman Tsarukyan describes Khamzat Chimaev’s power and strength. They grappled during coaching in the Hype Reality project in Thailand.
Watch video below: @ArmanUfc @Beratkmma @mmamania @MMAJunkie @ChampRDS @MMA101Turkiye #mma #khamzatchimaev #armantsarukyan pic.twitter.com/FfFG2WFk1g
— Islam Babadzhanov (@babadzhanov07) August 26, 2024
And, well, that skill was again showcased last night. As, in one of the most dominant title performances in recent memory, Chimaev captured UFC gold in Chicago with a five-round clinic against Dricus du Plessis.
The Chechen-Swedish star showcased relentless wrestling, suffocating top control, and flawless transitions, leaving no doubt in the judges’ eyes.
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