Overview

• Chimaev has been working with a new strength and conditioning coach and intensifying endurance drills alongside Arman Tsarukyan
• Du Plessis intends to make a third straight middleweight title defense on August 16 before considering a move up in weight
• Daniel Cormier disclosed he received a June call raising questions about Chimaev’s ability to compete, sparking early contingency discussions
• Chimaev has publicly dismissed retirement speculation and signaled plans to pursue additional belts after UFC 319
• Analyst Michael Bisping has cast doubt on whether Chimaev’s aggressive style can sustain pace through all five championship rounds