Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) sought help from strength and conditioning coach Calavitta to address the criticism surrounding his cardio as he prepares for his first championship fight. Chimaev challenges Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) for the middleweight title in Saturday's main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) at United Center in Chicago.

Chimaev’s bold pre-fight warning adds fuel to the fire ahead of UFC 319’s middleweight title clash in Chicago UFC 319 is shaping up to be a blockbuster this weekend, delivering a stacked card topped by a high-stakes middleweight title bout between reigning champion Dricus du Plessis and dangerous

Things got chippy between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their fight at UFC 319 on Saturday. At their final faceoff on Friday, du Plessis and Chimaev got physical and had to be separated by UFC president Dana White. The two squared off and took some jabs at one another before Chimaev shoved du Plessis.