Arman Tsarukyan has seen first hand Khamzat Chimaev’s preparation for UFC 319.
Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) challenges middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the Aug. 16 main event at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
A big talking point for Chimaev’s first title fight is how his cardio will hold up against the battle-tested Du Plessis, especially if the bout reaches the championship rounds. However, with the work Chimaev has put in with strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, Tsarukyan thinks he’ll be well prepared.
“In this camp, Khamzat has improved his recovery ability, and strength and conditioning,” Tsarukyan said in a recent interview with Kamil Gadzhiev (h/t Red Corner MMA). “He’s been working on his strength and conditioning twice a week, in addition to striking sparring sessions and wrestling. He works with a new strength and conditioning coach on his cardio. So I believe in this upcoming fight, his cardio must be very good. He’s been tested every day, his recovery ability.
“There’s a device that shows his recovery stats every morning right after he gets up, and in the case he’s overtrained, they let him rest so he is fully ready. Because if you show up overtrained or a sparring session, you can’t work properly. So, he needs a man beside him who controls him 24/7 and stops him at the right moment so he doesn’t get overtrained. He is a very hard-working guy”
Despite the concerns from many pundits and fighters, Chimaev remains the betting favorite to dethrone Du Plessis and remain undefeated. According to DraftKings, Chimaev is a -180 favorite over Du Plessis, who’s a +150 underdog.
