UFC bantamweight contender Marlon “Chito” Vera expressed skepticism about his ability to take down social media wrestling sensation Georgio Poullas during a recent podcast appearance.
The conversation emerged as they discussed Poullas’ viral “Take Me Down Win $1000” wrestling challenge series, where he offers money to anyone who can successfully take him down. Despite being a high-level UFC star, Vera candidly admitted he likely wouldn’t be able to score a takedown on Poullas in a pure wrestling match.
“I don’t think I can take you down,” Vera told Poullas. “I mean it would be easier if I dive under a leg and go for a heel hook… but pure wrestling I know I won’t take you down, that’s a fact.”
Vera acknowledged that while he might have more success in an MMA context using cage wrestling tactics, Poullas’ elite wrestling background would make a traditional takedown extremely difficult. The Ecuadorian’s honest assessment highlights the specialized nature of amateur wrestling and the respect UFC stars have for high-level wrestlers.
While Vera is one of the UFC’s top bantamweight contenders, his acknowledgment of Poullas’ wrestling credentials demonstrates the continued importance of specialized skill sets in combat sports.
“Take Me Down Win $1000” Wrestling Star Opens Up About Bradley Martyn Incident
Former state champion wrestler Georgio Poullas has revealed details about his viral wrestling challenge with fitness influencer Bradley Martyn, explaining how the highly-publicized encounter unfolded at Zoo Culture gym.
Speaking on the Chito Vera Podcast, Poullas described how he initially approached Martyn with his signature “$1000 takedown challenge” during Zoo Culture’s one-year anniversary event. Though Martyn initially declined, he eventually engaged after being “peer pressured by the fans.”
“I was only 150 pounds and right when I say that, he turns his head, I’m holding this sign, he tries to throw my head down and I get on his leg,” Poullas recalled. “I was trying to get him to come to the mat. We did this right in the middle of the gym floor.”
The encounter took an intense turn when Poullas attempted a takedown on the significantly larger Martyn. “I go to take him down and I land on my head, all of his weight right on my head. I blacked out but I came back together and I’m seeing stars,” he said.
Despite the jarring impact, Poullas persisted: “I’m like there’s no way I got – I’m like not getting this. I have to get this, like this is my moment.” The wrestling standout managed to execute a double leg takedown before the action was halted when they ran into a bench.
“He’s lucky we ran into the bench and stopped,” Poullas noted. “I love you Brad but if you get a wrestler and I get on top of you, you’re not getting up.”
The incident helped launch Poullas’ popular wrestling challenge series on social media. He revealed that Martyn has since expressed interest in learning wrestling techniques, though he’s hesitant to let Poullas film the training sessions.
“He wants me to teach him wrestling stuff but he doesn’t want me to put it on camera,” Poullas said. “I’m like bro, I’ll teach you but I want to take my time out of my day to teach you, you should let me record it.”
“Take Me Down Win $1000” Wrestling Star Challenges Bradley Martyn at Zoo Culture Gym
A viral wrestling challenge at Zoo Culture gym has captured attention after former state champion wrestler Georgio Poullas confronted fitness influencer Bradley Martyn during the gym’s one-year anniversary celebration.
Poullas, who gained fame for his “Take Me Down Win $1000” wrestling series, attempted to wrestle Martyn after challenging him on the gym floor. According to Poullas, Martyn initially declined but was “peer pressured by the fans” into engaging.
“Right when I say that, he tries to throw my head down and I get on his leg,” Poullas recounted on the Chito Vera podcast. “I land on my head with all of his weight right on my head. I blacked out but I come back together seeing stars.”
Despite the impact, Poullas persisted with the takedown attempt. “I’m like there’s no way – I have to get this, this is my moment,” he said. The encounter ended after they ran into a bench during the exchange.
