UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev is preparing for his title fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 later this month, with a particular focus on enhancing his stamina. However, former UFC champion Michael Bisping expressed doubts about whether this improved Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 cardio will necessarily work in Chimaev’s favor against the relentless Du Plessis.
Chimaev remains undefeated, having secured wins over notable former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker on his rise to this title opportunity. Known for his overwhelming wrestling and fast finishes, Chimaev typically overwhelms opponents in the early rounds with aggressive bursts, making him a challenging matchup for many fighters including Du Plessis.
Concerns Raised Over Chimaev’s Shift Toward Endurance
Recently, Chimaev has been training in California alongside Sam Calavita, a conditioning expert credited with improving former champion TJ Dillashaw’s longevity. Dillashaw has praised Chimaev’s cardio improvement as a possible “secret weapon” for his fight against Du Plessis, suggesting that a more sustained pace could benefit him this time.
Despite this, Michael Bisping shared his reservations on his YouTube channel, highlighting a potential downside to Chimaev’s newfound endurance focus. Bisping pointed out that Chimaev is naturally a sprinter rather than a marathon runner and questioned if this fundamental trait can successfully change.
I understand that Khamzat is going to be a very dangerous threat early, but you can’t be a marathon runner and a sprinter at the same time,
Bisping said.
Bisping elaborated that Chimaev’s style is built for explosive first-round performances, likening him to fighters like Conor McGregor who have been dominant early but lack endurance for later rounds. He added,
So Khamzat Chimaev, I just think he’s built a certain way. And if Dricus du Plessis can drag him into the later rounds, I still think it favors Dricus. And the fact that Khamzat is a 2-to-1 favorite, is crazy.
This concern about cardio has followed Chimaev since the beginning of his UFC tenure. In fights against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, he showed signs of fading as the bouts progressed into championship rounds. Former UFC middleweight Luke Rockhold, who has trained with both Du Plessis and Chimaev, also questions if Chimaev can withstand Du Plessis’s relentless pressure if the fight reaches the later stages.
Perspective on Potential Career Moves After UFC 319
Looking beyond UFC 319, former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub suggested the winner of the Chimaev versus Du Plessis fight could potentially compete across multiple weight divisions, even as high as heavyweight. Both fighters have yet to compete above middleweight in the UFC, but Schaub’s prediction signals belief in their versatility and skill to challenge for different titles.
Dricus Du Plessis has hinted at moving up to light heavyweight for a fight against then-champion Alex Pereira. However, those plans were disrupted when Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira and Ankalaev are scheduled for a rematch at UFC 320, and a Pereira victory could reopen the possibility of Du Plessis pursuing the light heavyweight crown.
For Chimaev, a win at UFC 319 could cement his status as a dominant figure in middleweight and possibly open doors to pursuing multiple championships before retiring. His combination of wrestling dominance and evolving cardio makes him a significant contender for altering the division’s hierarchy.
Implications of Cardio Strategy for Chimaev’s Title Shot
Chimaev’s attempt to add endurance to his natural explosiveness introduces a new dynamic into his fighting style, which has so far relied heavily on early aggression and rapid finishes. If he succeeds in blending cardio with his wrestling, it might allow him to better withstand later rounds and strategic challenges posed by durable opponents like Du Plessis.
However, if Chimaev’s conditioning fails to translate into sustained productivity in the Octagon, this could expose him to Du Plessis’s pressure and gas tank, potentially shifting the fight’s momentum away from the favorite. The coming weeks will reveal if conditioning improvements can elevate Chimaev’s performance or if his natural sprinting approach remains his true strength.