8 hours ago
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KSI was forced to tap out after just 17 seconds during a recent challenge with UFC fighter Demetrius Johnson.
The YouTuber, who has also fought in a number of boxing bouts, set himself a target of lasting one minute in a grappling match with the former UFC flyweight champion.
KSI started the contest on top of Johnson, seemingly in an advantageous position.
However, he was beaten comfortably by the MMA man, an arm-lock forcing KSI to tap out just with just 17 seconds gone on the timer.
'He put up a wager, he put up a challenge,' explained Johnson.
'KSI does not grapple, he's more of a boxer.
KSI took on Demetrius Johnson, aged 38, in a grappling match published to social media
KSI last took to the ring for a boxing bout when he lost to pro fighter Tommy Fury back in 2023
Johnson forced KSI to tap out after just 17 seconds after getting the YouTuber into an arm-lock
'So I am always down for a challenge, especially someone who doesn't grapple as much.
'I am 145 pounds, he's 210. You guys might say he ain't 260, I understand that but we're gonna get a little bit of a grapple on and see if he can survive for one minute against me on the ground.'
He did not.
The pair exchanged high fives before starting the clock, Johnson quickly getting off the ground and flipping KSI onto his back.
Johnson first went for the leg but decided on the YouTuber's arm, warning him the time to tap out would come soon.
KSI quickly realised he was in trouble and wisely submitted.
'Oh my god,' he said after tapping out. 'Holy sh*t.'
Johnson last fought in the UFC back in 2018.
KSI has turned to combat sports, music and various business interests since his rise to fame
Johnson retired from MMA in 2024 after a lengthy career in UFC and the ONE Championship
Johnson defended his UFC flyweight title a record 11 times before he was traded to ONE
He lost his flyweight title to Henry Cejudo after a record 11 championship defences.
Johnson was subsequently traded to the ONE Championship where he fought until his retirement in 2024.
After rising to YouTube fame, KSI turned his hand to boxing, infamously fighting fellow streamer Logan Paul on two occasions. One was a draw, the other a KSI victory.
In 2023, KSI lost to boxer and former Love Island star Tommy Fury.
That was his last fight to date after a number of attempts to get back in the ring were cancelled.
