Chimaev’s Cardio Evolution: Can He Last the Distance?

As UFC 319 approaches, all eyes are on Khamzat Chimaev and whether his cardio can carry him through a grueling title fight. Known for explosive starts, Chimaev enters this matchup against champion Dricus du Plessis with a reputation for fading in the later rounds—that narrative may be changing.

Chimaev’s Cardio Evolution: A Total Overhaul of Conditioning

Chimaev has transformed his training under the guidance of elite strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, whose rigorous workout programs once fueled champions like TJ Dillashaw. Alongside fellow UFC 319 competitor Aaron Pico, he has ramped up his endurance training to meet the demands of championship-level pacing. His head coach, Joakim Karlsson, insists that the fighter fans saw in the past is not the same athlete heading into Chicago. “It’s totally different,” he stated, underlining the leap in strength and stamina.

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Overcoming Earlier Setbacks

Critics point to Chimaev’s past engagements—especially against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman—where his activity dropped sharply after the opening rounds. He often relied on quick finishes to mask endurance deficiencies. But now, with a championship belt on the line, those flaws are being addressed head-on through more strategic conditioning and recovery protocols.

The Verdict at UFC 319

Will these changes be enough? Dricus du Plessis represents a true test, with proven resilience and finishing power in later rounds. If Chimaev can sustain his pace, UFC 319 promises a clash where preparation and stamina could be the difference between victory and defeat. Fans may finally see whether the “Chechen Wolf” has evolved from a round-one bomber into a full-distance force—or if the champion’s persistence will prevail under the bright lights in Chicago.

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