Before UFC 319: Khamzat Chimaev Threatens Dricus Du Plessis with a Terrifying Training Regimen

As UFC 319 draws near, the intensity is skyrocketing—not just inside the Octagon, but within training camps. In the eye of the storm is Khamzat Chimaev, who has once again captivated the MMA world. This time, it’s not just with bold words or brutal knockouts—but with his terrifying training regimen, which he claims is designed to break Dricus Du Plessis mentally and physically.

The undefeated contender is known for his relentless pressure and unmatched cardio, but recent footage and reports suggest that Chimaev is pushing himself harder than ever before in preparation for his August 16 title shot in Chicago.

As fans await the historic showdown between middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, the challenger’s extreme preparation is sending shockwaves throughout the fight community.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Training Camp: Hell on Earth

In true Chimaev fashion, the training camp for UFC 319 has been described by teammates and coaches as “hellish.” Sparring sessions are said to be brutal, non-stop wars, with Chimaev demanding five, six, even seven rounds without rest, mimicking the relentless pace he intends to bring into the cage.

Video clips from Chimaev’s camp show him engaging in grueling circuit workouts, mountain trail runs, and high-altitude training in remote regions of Sweden and the Middle East. He’s reportedly sparring fresh opponents every few minutes, refusing to take breaks even when visibly exhausted.

Chimaev has always preached the “kill or be killed” mentality. But this time, it appears he’s turning that mindset into a scientific formula for destruction. Every minute of his day—from diet and sleep to grappling drills and striking patterns—is being engineered toward breaking Du Plessis.

His message to the champion is simple and chilling:
“You’ve never been hunted like this before.”

The Psychological Warfare Has Begun

While most fighters wait until fight week to engage in verbal sparring, Chimaev has already begun psychological warfare. Through interviews, social media, and cryptic training clips, he’s painted a picture of inevitable dominance. One particularly unsettling clip showed Chimaev screaming into the camera after a brutal training session:

“Du Plessis, I’m coming. You think you fight lions? I AM the lion.”

This aggressive messaging isn’t just for hype. It’s meant to plant a seed of doubt in Du Plessis’ mind—a seed that could grow into hesitation during the actual fight.

In modern MMA, where mental resilience often separates champions from contenders, Chimaev’s attempt to intimidate and overwhelm his opponent before even stepping in the cage is a calculated tactic.

Du Plessis, however, has brushed off the theatrics, saying:
“Let him scream. Let him bleed in training. On August 16, we’ll see who’s left standing.”

The Stakes at UFC 319 Have Never Been Higher

For Khamzat Chimaev, UFC 319 represents more than a title fight. It’s a shot at validation. Despite a perfect record of 14-0, some critics argue that Chimaev hasn’t yet faced a fully prepared, championship-level opponent over five rounds. That narrative will be put to the test when he faces Dricus Du Plessis, a fighter who’s gone through wars with the likes of Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Robert Whittaker.

Du Plessis is known for his unorthodox movement, incredible fight IQ, and deceptive cardio. He’s proven that he can go the distance, adapt on the fly, and remain dangerous in every round. But even he has acknowledged that Chimaev brings a new type of threat—one that’s unrelenting and deeply psychological.

What makes this fight even more intriguing is the clash of identities. Chimaev embodies chaos and aggression, while Du Plessis represents calm intensity and calculated precision. This duel is not just physical—it’s a philosophical conflict between two drastically different fighting spirits.

Dricus Du Plessis Responds Calmly but Confidently

While Chimaev’s videos have gone viral, Dricus Du Plessis has remained composed and focused. Speaking in a recent media scrum, the South African champion downplayed the theatrics:

“Anyone can post videos of themselves dying in training. That doesn’t win fights. Discipline wins fights. IQ wins fights. I don’t need a camera in my face every time I throw a punch.”

Du Plessis has reportedly been working closely with his longtime coaching staff to formulate a smart and adaptable game plan, one that emphasizes timing, footwork, and targeted counters to Chimaev’s aggressive bursts.

The champ has also doubled down on conditioning and grappling defense, knowing full well that Chimaev’s first goal will be to close the distance and drag him to the ground.

Many in the MMA world believe that if Du Plessis can weather the early storm, the fight could tilt in his favor during rounds 3, 4, and 5. But to do that, he’ll have to endure what Chimaev calls “the storm before the silence.”

Training Philosophies: Controlled Chaos vs Calculated Discipline

This bout is also a fascinating study in training philosophies.

Chimaev trains like he fights—at maximum intensity, with minimal structure. His sessions are often unpredictable, reflecting his wild and free-flowing fighting style. It’s a method that works for him but comes with risks, especially over long camps. Injuries, overtraining, and burnout are real concerns.

Du Plessis, on the other hand, is known for his meticulously structured camps. Every round, every rest period, every nutrient is tracked and managed. His training is built around longevity, peak performance windows, and injury prevention.

Who has the better approach? We’ll find out on August 16.

Chimaev’s Training Partners Speak Out

Several training partners of Khamzat Chimaev have spoken anonymously to media outlets about what it’s like to be part of his camp. One source stated:

“He doesn’t let you breathe. It’s like being in a shark tank. You finish a round with him, and instead of resting, he wants to go again. He doesn’t care if you’re tired—he wants to break you.”

Another source added:

“This camp is personal for him. He sees Du Plessis as someone who’s keeping the belt warm. He believes this is his destiny.”

This mindset, while inspiring, also adds pressure. If Chimaev is unable to finish the fight early and the momentum starts shifting, that pressure could backfire. For a fighter who has never been pushed deep into championship rounds, UFC 319 could be the ultimate test.

Can Du Plessis Survive the Onslaught?

This is the question on everyone’s mind. Chimaev is expected to come out swinging, wrestling, and grinding from the opening bell. If Du Plessis can survive the early onslaught, he may be able to drown Chimaev in the deep waters of championship rounds.

Historically, Chimaev has only been past the second round once. In contrast, Du Plessis has already gone five rounds twice—including once against Sean Strickland, a cardio machine in his own right.

But surviving is easier said than done. Chimaev’s takedowns come fast and unexpected. His transitions on the ground are slick. And his ground-and-pound? Devastating. Even one round of control time can swing the fight significantly.

Du Plessis must fight smart, keep his back off the cage, and land meaningful counters to slow Chimaev down.

UFC 319: More Than a Fight, It’s a Moment in Time

This isn’t just another pay-per-view headliner. UFC 319 will likely define the future of the middleweight division. If Chimaev wins, he could potentially defend his belt across two weight classes. If Du Plessis retains, he solidifies his claim as the most dominant middleweight of this era.

Both men are fighting for legacy, respect, and history. But as the days count down, it’s becoming clear that Chimaev is preparing for war, not a point fight. His terrifying training regimen is a public declaration of intent: he is coming to destroy.

Final Words Before the Storm

In the calm before the storm, Chimaev posted one last ominous video of himself sprinting uphill, soaked in sweat, screaming into the cold wind:

“I don’t train to win. I train to END you.”

Whether that intensity translates into victory remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Khamzat Chimaev is entering UFC 319 prepared to fight like his life depends on it.