Khamzat Chimaev has partnered with renowned strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavita as he prepares for UFC 319, focusing heavily on improving his cardio endurance. Though this new training approach appears to have significantly enhanced Chimaev’s stamina, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson openly expressed his reluctance to endure Calavita’s demanding program.

Cardio has historically been a weak spot for Chimaev despite his impressive early fight finishes. In the rare instances when his matches extended to the later rounds, the Chechen-born fighter showed signs of fatigue and vulnerability, raising questions about his ability to compete effectively in longer bouts.

Training Adjustments Ahead of UFC 319 Against Dricus du Plessis

With UFC 319 approaching, Chimaev’s team took proactive steps to address these concerns by working with Calavita, who has a solid track record training fighters such as TJ Dillashaw and Quinton Jackson. The goal was to equip Chimaev with the stamina necessary to withstand the challenges posed by his opponent, Dricus du Plessis, who is recognized for his toughness and unconventional fighting style.

In a recent episode of the JAXXON PODCAST, Quinton Jackson recounted his past experiences training with Calavita and underscored the intensity of the regime. Describing the sessions as grueling, Jackson commented on the difficulty of Calavita’s workouts:

“I’ve trained with him before, but I’m gonna tell you, that guy’s training is so hard. I love Sam, but I’ll never want to see his garage again. It’s hard, bro. It’s some of the hardest training I’ve ever done in my life.”

—Quinton Jackson, Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

Chimaev’s Skills and Striking Threat to Dricus du Plessis

While Chimaev is widely regarded as a highly versatile fighter, it is his wrestling ability that continues to distinguish him from many competitors. This aspect of his game is seen as a primary challenge for du Plessis, whose durability has been tested throughout his career.

Despite the prevailing expectation of a wrestling-focused approach, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad believes Chimaev can excel in striking against du Plessis. In his YouTube analysis of the upcoming middleweight title fight, Muhammad highlighted Chimaev’s superior precision and ability to maintain pace over multiple rounds, stating:

“Just strike with him. I think he can outstrike him. He’ll make it look easy if he can keep it on the feet, I think. Yeah, Dricus has a chin, he has cardio, he has an awkward style, he has toughness, but I think Chimaev is a lot cleaner. If he keeps it standing, I think he’ll be able to keep that pace the whole five rounds and even hurt him.”

—Belal Muhammad, Former UFC Welterweight Champion

The Importance of Cardio for Chimaev’s UFC Future

Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to improve his UFC cardio training is pivotal as he prepares for more demanding fights that require sustained endurance. Success in UFC 319 will depend not only on his grappling skills but also on whether he can maintain consistent pressure throughout five rounds against a tough opponent like du Plessis.

The rigorous conditioning with Sam Calavita, despite its difficulty, could mark a turning point in Chimaev’s career, helping him overcome previous stamina issues. Observers and fans alike will be keen to see if this intense training translates into lasting improvements inside the Octagon, setting the stage for future title opportunities.