As Khamzat Chimaev prepares for his highly anticipated UFC 319 title fight against Dricus Du Plessis, his intense UFC training has addressed the most pressing question surrounding his performance—his stamina in the later rounds. Known for quick finishes, Chimaev has struggled with endurance in past fights, making this training camp crucial for his championship aspirations.
Focused Conditioning Aims to Enhance Chimaev’s Endurance
Chimaev’s camp is reportedly marked by rigorous conditioning efforts led by renowned strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta. Recent footage shared by Bear Digidio on his YouTube channel, JAXXON Behind The Brand, highlighted the fighter‘s grueling sessions and visible progress. Chimaev’s manager confirmed significant improvements in his cardio capacity, noting strong metrics that underscore his readiness.
“Yeah. I mean, you see it every week, it just gets better and better. Coach Cal also, he’s looking at the numbers, you know, he’s saying that it’s incredible the numbers that he’s doing out,”
the manager said, emphasizing the exacting standards in the fighter’s daily grind.
Despite Chimaev’s reputation as one of the division’s most hardworking individuals, his recent approach has evolved to include carefully managed intensity levels, a shift from previous habits that contributed to past health challenges. Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub pointed out the stark contrast in this camp’s atmosphere, calling it exceptionally focused and serious. Schaub explained,
“If I had to describe it in one single word, it would be intense. It’s just their focus. I think maybe this is how they’ve always done camp.”
He added further insight into the camp’s serious tone:
For my camp, it was serious, especially when you are like 2-3 weeks out. It was serious. But you still wanted a playful kind of vibe energy where it’s not so serious. They don’t have that. Like it’s so intense, it’s so serious.
This no-nonsense approach underscores a camp fully geared toward peak performance without distractions or laxity.
The intensity and laser focus from Chimaev’s camp have even captured the attention of former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, who has publicly predicted Chimaev’s victory in the upcoming bout. The question remains whether Chimaev’s revamped conditioning will sustain the necessary endurance to overcome Du Plessis, a formidable South African opponent known for his resilience and ability to seize victory from challenging positions.
Chimaev’s Partnership with Original Coach Revitalizes His Training and Recovery
Chimaev faced a major turning point after his withdrawal from a fight in Saudi Arabia last September, recognizing that previous training methods were detrimental to his health. His tendency to overtrain had resulted in multiple hospitalizations within a short span, causing his immune system to weaken and leading to serious health issues. Responding to this, he reunited with his original wrestling coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov, who now oversees not only his training but also his recovery strategies, introducing balance and discipline.
Chimaev reflected on this change during a conversation with Hustle, explaining the importance of rest in his new regimen:
They now let me rest and recover properly,
he said. He elaborated on the lessons learned from past errors:
I used to go to the gym and just train until I was done. But, then I ended up in the hospital like the last time when I was in hospital three times in a row within three weeks. Chimaev further added. My immune system went down, I got sick. Now, I use a better approach. I work with good coaches, raised a lot of world champions … I am going to take a big step forward.
This evolution in training philosophy marks a decisive step in his career, aimed at maintaining peak condition throughout the fight camp and the bout itself.
Currently, sources within the camp confirm that Chimaev is in peak physical shape. However, the ultimate challenge will be maintaining that momentum against Du Plessis, who has proven to be a resilient and crafty competitor. The upcoming fight will test Chimaev’s revamped training and how effectively it translates into endurance and performance under championship pressure.
What This Championship Clash Represents for Chimaev and the Division
The UFC 319 title fight is not just a championship bout but a pivotal moment for Khamzat Chimaev’s career trajectory. His intense UFC training camp illustrates a transformation from a fighter who relied heavily on early finishes to one preparing for a full five-round war. Overcoming his stamina issues could solidify his status as one of the sport’s elite and a dominant force in the division.
Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion, presents a unique challenge with his ability to overcome adversity and sustain fights into later rounds. The determination of both fighters sets the stage for a gripping encounter, where endurance, strategy, and mental toughness will be paramount.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Chimaev’s improved conditioning can outlast Du Plessis’s resilience and whether the intense preparation can finally erase questions surrounding his cardio. This fight could redefine expectations for Chimaev, proving his ability to fight at a championship level for the full duration and marking a new chapter in his UFC journey.
With the stakes so high and both fighters at the peak of their abilities, UFC 319 promises a compelling showdown that will have lasting implications for the division and the careers involved.