With UFC 319 just a day away, Khamzat Chimaev has arrived in Chicago for the biggest fight of his career—his first shot at UFC gold. Despite early concerns over his road to the event due to past issues, the undefeated contender has methodically ticked every box in his preparation. From the outside looking in, Chimaev appears to be in peak condition and high spirits, setting the stage for his middleweight title clash with reigning champion Dricus du Plessis on August 16.
The build-up has been filled with speculation about whether Chimaev could address what many see as his one major weakness—his conditioning. Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw played a behind-the-scenes role by introducing Chimaev to respected strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, a move he believes could be a game-changer in tightening up that aspect of Chimaev’s arsenal.
The Calavitta Effect: Reining in “Borz” Without Dimming His Fire
Sam Calavitta is no stranger to preparing elite fighters. Known for his unorthodox but highly effective training programs, he was a secret weapon in Dillashaw’s own career. Now, he’s been tasked with refining Chimaev’s approach ahead of UFC 319, specifically in the area where critics believe he has faltered—overtraining.
Arman Tsarukyan recently pointed out that Chimaev has a tendency to push himself too hard, sometimes entering fights already drained. Calavitta admitted that one of his biggest challenges was getting Chimaev to understand the value of restraint.
“Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. That’s one of the things that we miss in combat sports. We always think it’s go go go but that doesn’t always get you there,” Calavitta explained on ESPN MMA’s Good Guy / Bad Guy. “So, what happened is, I pulled Khamzat off after two rounds and sat him down on the corner of the garage right there and I said, ‘We’re good for today’.”
Chimaev’s response was telling. Despite the call to end the session, the challenger wanted to finish the full three rounds they had planned. In the gym that day was Aaron Pico—also training with Calavitta—who then called for five more rounds, sparking an intense back-and-forth push between two of MMA’s most driven athletes.
Calavitta saw something in that moment that convinced him Chimaev is ready to wear UFC gold.
“When Khamzat said that, and he goes, ‘one more round’… I knew then he’s champ. I knew then he’s champ.”
From Hype to Hard Reality
Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene with such dominance that many predicted he’d be fighting for a title years earlier than UFC 319. His wrestling-heavy game overwhelmed opponents, and his persona—equal parts calm and menacing—captivated fans. But while his grappling is among the best in the sport, Calavitta doesn’t believe that’s the real source of Chimaev’s danger.
In his eyes, it’s the mindset.
“Khamzat, pretty soft-spoken guy, doesn’t have to say a lot of words because he fully believes in the capacity of where he’s come from and where he’s going,” Calavitta said. “He’s got the eye. Look at their eye, that’s why they come to the garage. A lot of guys won’t come to the garage because they are not comfortable with being uncomfortable. Khamzat thrives there.”
This psychological edge, combined with a more measured training approach, could make Chimaev a far more complete fighter than the one fans have seen in the past.
Countering the “One Weakness” Narrative
For all his success, Chimaev’s critics have repeatedly circled back to the same talking point—whether his cardio can hold up in deep waters against a relentless opponent. That question looms large ahead of his fight with du Plessis, who has shown he can maintain a punishing pace across five rounds.
By working with Calavitta, Chimaev has embraced the idea that pushing to exhaustion in every session isn’t the best path to victory. Instead, they’ve incorporated more strategic pacing, recovery periods, and controlled intensity—without losing the raw grit that defines him.
It’s a delicate balance—taming the fighter’s instinct to overdo it while still harnessing his work ethic as a weapon. And according to Calavitta, Chimaev’s willingness to adapt has been the key.
The Du Plessis Challenge
While the talk of fight week has centered on Chimaev’s preparations, his opponent brings his own set of dangers. Du Plessis is a power-punching, pressure-heavy champion who has thrived on breaking opponents down over time. If Chimaev’s improved conditioning is as significant as Calavitta suggests, fans could be in for a championship bout where “Borz” is as dangerous in the final round as he is in the first.
This fight is more than a clash for the belt—it’s a test of whether Chimaev can translate the adjustments of camp into a 25-minute war inside the Octagon.
A Champion’s Mentality
Calavitta’s ultimate takeaway is that Chimaev’s mental makeup—not just his physical skill—sets him apart. “A lot of guys won’t come to the garage because they are not comfortable with being uncomfortable. Khamzat thrives there,” he reiterated.
The willingness to suffer, to push through discomfort, and to demand more from himself even when others are satisfied—that’s what the coach believes will carry Chimaev to the title. And with just hours left before the Octagon door closes, the undefeated contender seems primed to prove him right.
If Chimaev wins at UFC 319, it will be as much a victory for mental discipline and adaptability as it will be for physical dominance. And if Calavitta’s words ring true, the middleweight division might soon have a new king—one forged as much in restraint as in relentless effort.
