As anticipation builds for UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, the spotlight is firmly on Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 training regimen, with respected former champions raising alarms about his preparation for the middleweight title fight against Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev’s pursuit of an undefeated legacy faces growing skepticism from UFC legends, who stress that only extreme conditioning will give him a real chance to dethrone the reigning champion in his first title bout.
Concerns voiced over Chimaev’s preparation and stamina
TJ Dillashaw, who previously held the UFC bantamweight title, shared candid advice for Chimaev’s camp during an episode of the JAXXON Podcast, analyzing the main event alongside Luke Rockhold and ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Chimaev’s past performances, including a dominant win over Robert Whittaker, have built expectations, with many backing him to claim the middleweight crown. Yet, Dillashaw warns that Chimaev’s signature finishing style may not hold up unless supported by grueling, targeted training and a stable of tough sparring partners in camp.
He needs to work on topping red line stuff. He goes for the kill, and you can only do that for so long,
—TJ Dillashaw, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
Dillashaw elaborated that fighters who habitually push to the physical limit—entering what many call the “red zone”—must train their endurance and mental toughness as much as their aggression. He suggested that Chimaev’s success could hinge on whether he adapts his physical conditioning to endure a high-paced fight, particularly against a champion known for outlasting opponents.
According to Dillashaw, a lack of advanced cardio preparation may jeopardize Chimaev’s chances if he cannot secure an early finish. The possibility looms that Dricus du Plessis, should Chimaev falter late, is fully capable of capitalizing on any exhaustion his challenger faces down the stretch.
I don’t think he has the gas tank if he doesn’t finish DDP,
—TJ Dillashaw, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
If Chimaev’s going to win this fight, he’s got to break in practice. So you’ve got to bring in enough guys to break him. … If you’re not getting beat up in training, you’re not training at the right spot.
—TJ Dillashaw, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
Du Plessis shows absolute confidence ahead of title defense
Dricus du Plessis, the current UFC middleweight champion, has built a reputation for defying expectations with unconventional tactics and relentless pacing over five rounds. He remains undaunted by critics who question his style, and he appears supremely confident approaching what many see as Chimaev’s toughest test to date.
The South African champion leveraged social media to send an ominous message ahead of the Chicago showdown, doubling down on the narrative that Chimaev’s cardio may not stand up to his championship pressure.
I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong,
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
Du Plessis made it clear that stepping into the octagon with him represents a completely new and unwelcome experience for challengers, directly addressing the doubts surrounding Chimaev’s conditioning and readiness for five championship rounds.
High-stakes title fight defined by questions of endurance
The build-up to UFC 319 is charged with skepticism, caution, and lingering doubt over Khamzat Chimaev’s readiness for a lengthy clash against an established champion like du Plessis. With seasoned voices like TJ Dillashaw openly doubting Chimaev’s stamina unless he endures the harshest training, pressure intensifies on Chimaev’s camp to push him past his prior physical boundaries. Meanwhile, du Plessis’ show of confidence only raises the stakes and clarifies the challenge looming for Chimaev in Chicago.
This title fight will likely be shaped by which contender best survives not just the early blitz, but the grinding pace and mental tests that define championship-level combat. For Chimaev, the verdict from UFC icons is blunt: only ruthless training may keep his undefeated run alive and secure the middleweight belt.