Demetrious Johnson was quickly submitted by Khamzat Chimaev in a recent grappling session. The former UFC flyweight champion tapped out to a brabo choke in just 47 seconds.
What happened?
The two fighters trained together on the mats, with Johnson initially sounding confident. However, Chimaev's size advantage proved too much, as he quickly locked in the submission hold.
Why it matters for Demetrious Johnson
Johnson will be enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame as part of International Fight Week this July. He retired from the sport in 2024, after a lengthy reign as UFC flyweight king and a 135-pound title holder in ONE Championship.
What comes next?
Chimaev is slated to make his first 185-pound title defense against Sean Strickland in the UFC 328 headliner on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Johnson, on the other hand, will be honored for his achievements in the sport, with his Hall of Fame induction set to take place in July.
Johnson began the encounter sounding confident, asking Chimaev if Arman Tsarukyan had told him about his skills. Chimaev replied, "Maybe for him, yeah."
The submission hold was tight, with Johnson tapping out quickly. He later joked about pulling guard, saying "Do you think I'm going to shoot a f—-ing takedown on Khamzat Chimaev?"
Chimaev's victory was dominant, with the reigning UFC middleweight champion claiming the win in just 47 seconds. Johnson, however, remains focused on his upcoming Hall of Fame induction.
The event will take place in July, with Johnson set to be honored for his achievements in the sport. He will join a list of legendary fighters in the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest flyweight champions of all time.
Johnson's retirement in 2024 marked the end of an era, but his impact on the sport remains. He will always be remembered as a dominant force in the UFC, with a lengthy reign as flyweight king and a 135-pound title holder in ONE Championship.
The grappling session with Chimaev was a rare glimpse into Johnson's current activities, with the former champion still involved in the sport despite his retirement. His upcoming Hall of Fame induction will be a celebration of his achievements, with fans and fellow fighters alike honoring his contributions to the UFC.
Chimaev's first title defense is set to take place on May 9, with the reigning champion facing off against Sean Strickland in the UFC 328 headliner. The event will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with Chimaev looking to continue his dominant run in the UFC.
Johnson's legacy continues to inspire new generations of fighters, with his achievements in the sport remaining unparalleled. His upcoming Hall of Fame induction will be a testament to his hard work and dedication, with the former champion set to be honored for his contributions to the UFC.