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.

The main event of the UFC 319 fight card is on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET in Chicago and features Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight title fight. Du Plessis (23-2) is from South Africa and last fought Sean Strickland in February 2025,

At the post-weigh-in press conference, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chiesa, Anthony Smith, and Chael Sonnen sat down to break down the UFC 319 card and of course, most of the talk centered on the main event between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev's Custom Shorts For UFC 319 Has Fans Excited originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Ahead of his first appearance as a UFC pay-per-view main eventer this Saturday, Khamzat Chimaev offered up a comment that

Khamzat Chimaev vows to honor his parents’ sacrifices, promising relentless dedication, hard work, and success to make them proud.

The road to get to a middleweight title opportunity at UFC 319 has been long and full of setbacks for Khamzat Chimaev.