Khamzat Chimaev continues solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. A new viral video showcases the middleweight contender’s incredible grappling skills during a sparring session with lightweight standout Arman Tsarukyan. The footage, part of the Hype Reality 3 series—dubbed Russia’s version of The Ultimate Fighter—has captivated fans online.
In the clip, Chimaev and Tsarukyan, who serve as opposing coaches on the show, step into the cage for a friendly yet intense grappling exchange. Despite the friendly nature of the session, Chimaev’s significant size and strength advantage are on full display. The Chechen-Swedish fighter casually controls the action, showcasing not just his power but also his agility and precision, traits that have made him a top contender in the UFC.
Dominance on Display
Although the video is only about a minute long, it has drawn widespread attention. Fans couldn’t help but comment on Chimaev’s ability to effortlessly control Tsarukyan, with many noting the stark weight difference between the two. Tsarukyan, aware of this disparity, admitted his approach was more about survival. “I will try to defend myself and avoid getting choked because it is submission only,” Tsarukyan told cameras during filming. “But if I get the chance to choke or grab the neck, I will take it.”
Chimaev, however, was skeptical of Tsarukyan’s decision to accept the challenge, pointing out the mismatch in physicality and skill. His confidence proved justified, as the footage clearly shows him dominating the exchange.
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Chimaev’s Rise to the Top
This sparring session is another testament to Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC. Fresh off a first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, Chimaev now holds the #3 in the middleweight rankings. Despite health setbacks earlier in his career, the 30-year-old continues to make a compelling case for a title shot, with many fans and analysts believing he could soon face champion Dricus du Plessis or Sean Strickland.
The sparring session with Tsarukyan has further cemented Chimaev’s reputation as a fighter who combines raw power, technical brilliance, and relentless aggression. If this is what he’s capable of in a sparring session, the future of the middleweight division looks increasingly exciting—and dangerous.
