Khamzat Chimaev proved he's the real deal after rag-dolling UFC middleweight contender Jack Hermansson in a special freestyle wrestling contest.
Chimaev made a swift return to action following his triumphant Octagon return, where he destroyed Li Jingliang at UFC 267 last month.
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He swapped MMA for wrestling, taking on Hermansson in a featured bout at Bulldog Fight Night on Friday.
And 'Borz' continued to enhance his reputation in the fight game, rag-dolling the Swedish middleweight contender in a points victory (8-0).
He controlled the tempo of the bout as he showed off his incredible grappling skills, including a remarkable throw.
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Chimaev performed a sensational a step around throw from double over-hooks in a moment that confirmed his status as a UFC phenom.
Fans online were raving about the UFC star following his dominant victory over Hermansson.
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One joked: "[Kamaru] Usman is currently working on a retirement plan."
A second tweeted: "Wow that's high level wrestling right there."
A third added: "Chimaev destroyed him, if this is MMA this is done in the next 60 seconds. He's for real."
Chimaev is 4-0 in the UFC having picked up four impressive stoppage victories - one at middleweight.
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He earned himself a spot in the UFC welterweight rankings (No.10) after submitting Jingliang.
The 27-year-old appears set for one more UFC outing before the end of the year.
Asked if fans will see him again in 2021, UFC president Dana White replied: "Yes," before adding that the matchmakers are "trying to" get an opponent.
How far is he away from a shot at UFC gold? Well, White believes he's 'one or two' fights away from a championship clash.
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"I don't know if Chimaev is ready for that yet," White said. "Chimaev just broke into the top 10 by fighting a No. 11 [ranked contender].
"It's a whole other ballgame when you get into the top 10 and you start fighting [No.] 5 and up. He's one or two fights away from a possible championship."
Topics: Khamzat Chimaev, UFC
