Khamzat Chimaev lost the middleweight title at UFC 328 to Sean Strickland, with fatigue in the second round leading to an abandonment of wrestling. Questions arose about Chimaev’s training under Sam Calavitta at The Treigning Lab. Arman Tsarukyan said Calavitta’s role was limited and that fans praised the same training when Chimaev previously dominated Dricus Du Plessis for 25 minutes to win the title. Tsarukyan stated that strength and conditioning provides cardio but is not MMA, and that wrestling, sparring, and technique work are the main drivers of fight readiness. He estimated strength and conditioning as only 5% to 10% of an MMA fight.
"“When you lose, everybody is trying to find excuses,” Tsarukyan said on the “Jaxxon Podcast.” “But when he won his title, everybody said 'Coach Cal' did great job... People are always gonna say something, and you gotta take it... Strength and conditioning is not MMA. It gives you good cardio, but if you are not wrestling, not sparring, if you don't like to work on your technique, this garage work is not gonna help you.”"
"“It's like 5%, maximum 10% of your MMA fight. It's not a big deal.” Tsarukyan framed strength and conditioning as a minor component, arguing that fight outcomes depend primarily on wrestling, sparring, and technical drills rather than gym-based conditioning alone."
"Chimaev and Tsarukyan have long been training strength and conditioning under “Coach Cal” at “The Garage,” which is home to The Treigning Lab. Tsarukyan notes that the same fans who are questioning Calavitta were heaping praises on him when Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis for 25 minutes to win the title last year."
"Many believe Chimaev currently lacks an MMA head coach. Kamaru Usman pointed out that Tsarukyan, who hasn't even fought for a title yet, was seemingly leading Chimaev's corner at UFC 328. Meanwhile, Georges St. Pierre 's coach Firas Zahabi recently pleaded with Chimaev to join Tristar Gym."
Read at Sherdog
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