Khamzat Chimaev became an even narrower prospect for the rest of the middleweight division with its performance on UFC 319.
While Chimaev was predicted for a long time that he became champion in the leading promotion of MMA, some pointed to fatigue as the only thing that 'Borz' could keep in his first title shot.
But against a cardio machine in Dricus du Plessis, the Chechen star dominated from start to finish. Chimaev extracted du Plessis from UFC 319 and picked up an incredible 21 minutes and 40 seconds of control time during their five -round main event.
Given the struggles of Chimaev against Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns when they went the distance in the past, most gave Du Plessis in the final laps. That was far from the case, and the newly crowned middleweight King apparently has to thank one secret weapon …
Khamzat Chimaev is planning to continue to use strength and conditioning coach after UFC 319 Success
Predictions prior to UFC 319 certainly followed a trend, with a lot of back -chimaev if the fight ended up early and du plessis if it went further than round two. For example, Michael Bisping expected that 'Borz' would find two rounds before he became the victim of a huge comeback.
In the end, that did not flourish, and unlike earlier fighting, the challenger never endured in danger. The reason for this appears to be the work that Chimaev has introduced with renowned strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta.
The trainer is known for putting top athletes by putting their passes in the gym, and 'Borz' clearly has the benefits of that on Fight Night in Chicago. With that in mind it was no surprise when Chimaev showed interest in holding Calavitta in his team during the press conference after the fight.
“No, (it was not a one -off). I'm going to work with this man,” said Chimaev.
“He is one of the best guys I worked with cardio. That's a crazy training there.
“So, thanks to) him,” Chimaev added.
Joe Rogan took which middleweight can be a threat to Khamzat Chimaev
There is one question on everyone's lips after UFC 319 – Who could be the one who dethroned Chimaev?
In terms of whom the best chance, color commentator Joe Rogan has a name in mind.
Subbing Top candidates such as Caio Borralho, Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony Hernandez, Rogan called Reinier de Ridder as a threat to Chimaev after the UFC 319 Main Event.
“In particular Reinier de Ridder, in view of his ability to struggle on the ground, and also his ability to land shots, especially the knee he lands. That is filthy,” Rogan said.
“Toughness, experience, he throws those combinations with that long walk -in knee. He is interesting.”