Buckley Offers Chimaev $50,000 to Avoid Wrestling in Round 1

UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley issued a bold financial challenge to middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev on social media this week, offering $50,000 if Chimaev refrains from using wrestling during the first round of his upcoming title defense.

In a video posted to Instagram, Buckley criticized Chimaev's tendency to rely on grappling early in fights, despite showcasing strong striking skills. "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. Oh, you heard me right, 50,000." He added a nod to Chimaev's Russian heritage, estimating the amount as equivalent to about 3 million rubles, and extended a similar $50,000 offer to middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov, potentially doubling the pot to $100,000 if matched.

Buckley, 31, has been vocal about his frustrations with wrestling-dominated bouts in mixed martial arts. His challenge comes shortly after a unanimous decision loss to former welterweight champion Kamaru...