Overview

• Chimaev has enlisted Arman Tsarukyan and a new strength coach to oversee intensified cardiovascular conditioning sessions
• He’s curbed public outings and mall visits to minimize illness risks that could jeopardize his August 16 title shot
• Daniel Cormier disclosed a June call suggesting Chimaev might withdraw and spurring discussions of replacements like Nassourdine Imavov or Caio Borralho
• Oddsmakers list Chimaev as a 2-to-1 favorite but Michael Bisping warns his sprint-like style may buckle against Du Plessis’s proven deep-round endurance
• Chimaev maintains that his ground-and-pound fundamentals will neutralize Du Plessis’s unconventional striking approach