(Video) Khamzat Chimaev Spotted Working with Top Cardio Coach Amid Rumors of Mid-2026 Return

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev trains with Sam Calavitta at the Treigning Labs in South California amid injury recovery.

(Video) Khamzat Chimaev Spotted Working with Top Cardio Coach Amid Rumors of Mid-2026 Return

Khamzat Chimaev training with popular cardio coach (via X)

In Short
  • Khamzat Chimaev is training with cardio coach Sam Calavitta as he prepares for a return in mid-2026.
  • Chimaev has been sidelined due to recurring knee injuries that required corrective surgery.
  • His dominant performance at UFC 319 included a unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis.

After a dominant showing at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev was expected to become one of the UFC’s most dominant champions. However, recurring injuries once again stalled his momentum and forced him out of action. The setbacks have kept him sidelined until mid-2026, delaying immediate title activity. Recent footage now shows him training with popular coach Sam Calavitta, signaling a push back toward full fitness.

Calavitta is a respected strength and conditioning coach known for his work in combat sports and high-performance athletics. He operates out of the Treigning Lab facility in Southern California, where he oversees customized programs focused on endurance, mobility, and sport-specific conditioning. Calavitta has trained fighters, including TJ Dillashaw and Luke Rockhold, as well as athletes from other sports.

Chimaev has been sidelined since defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, after his long-standing knee issues resurfaced again. The injury required corrective surgery, delaying his anticipated first title defense. He is expected to remain out until the end of Ramadan 2026. Recent footage shows the Chechen superstar training with Calavitta, who monitored his vitals as he ran on a treadmill wearing an oxygen mask.

Chimaev incorporates a suffocating Chechen wrestling and grappling style that demands elite-level cardio to maintain relentless pressure. He has long been known for unconventional training methods designed to push his endurance beyond standard fight preparation. In contrast, Calavitta is recognized for his technical, data-driven approach, structuring sessions around outcomes and recovery efficiency.

Several fighters have spoken about training under Calavitta, noting the intensity of his demanding programs. Middleweight contender Bo Nickal credited the system for pushing him beyond his comfort zone. He said the demanding, control-centered exercises helped him confront personal trauma while sharpening his mindset. The structured environment and focus on progress define Calavitta’s coaching style.

Khamzat Chimaev has dealt with injuries throughout his career, leading to repeated layoffs and prolonged inactivity. The setbacks have disrupted his momentum at critical stages despite his dominance in the Octagon. The Chechen superstar’s latest recovery phase again reflects the toll of his high-pressure style. Training under Sam Calavitta could help improve his durability and support a more consistent return.

Middleweight dark horse diminishes Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant showing at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev’s title win at UFC 319 was one of the most dominant wrestling displays in UFC history. All three judges scored it 50-44, awarding a unanimous decision over Dricus Du Plessis. He landed 529 total strikes and accumulated 21 minutes of control time across five rounds. Du Plessis managed just 45 significant strikes in response, struggling to create sustained offense.

Khamzat Chimaev is hesitant to fight Nasirroudine Imavov
Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez called out the new champion right after UFC 319, positioning himself as a contender. He stated that he is the more well-rounded middleweight and emphasized his conditioning advantage. Hernandez highlighted his superior gas tank and pace as potential problems for the Chechen titleholder. Those remarks now frame his recent assessment of Chimaev’s performance at UFC 319.

He’s just gonna hug you and hold you down, and he doesn’t wanna bang on his feet. He’s not exciting. That’s kind of what I took away from that.

Anthony Hernandez via Paramount CBS

As Khamzat Chimaev begins preparations for his eventual return, the middleweight title picture continues to take shape. Anthony Hernandez is scheduled to face former champion Sean Strickland on February 21 in a pivotal matchup. The bout represents the biggest test of Hernandez’s career to date. A victory over a former titleholder could significantly strengthen his case for a future championship opportunity.

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