14-0 in UFC. 0-1 in crypto. Chimaev went from smashing opponents to getting smashed by his own manager.
2020-2024:
> undefeated streak 13-0
> smashes everyone in octagon
> “I smash everybody” becomes catchphrase
> becomes UFC fan favorite
July 2024:
> drops $SMASH token on Solana
> “based on my catchphrase”
> multiple videos promoting it
> tells fans to buy
What Happens:
> token pumps 10x in first hours
> fans pile in massively
> less than 24 hours later: crashes 91%
> down 96% within 24 hours
> value drops to basically zero
The Investigation:
> ZachXBT exposes the scheme
> 78% of supply bought by insider wallets
> 24 addresses funded with same Ethereum address
> estimated $1M stolen from fans
The Damage Control:
> Chimaev deletes all promotion videos
> blames his manager: “acted stupidly”
> “I don’t understand crypto at all”
> claims he got scammed too
From “I smash everybody” to “I got scammed by my manager.” UFC champ energy meets crypto exit scam.