Khamzat Chimaev’s New Training Home & The Man Behind It | UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev’s preparation for his first middleweight title defense at ’s UFC 328 against Sean Strickland has taken shape around a modern training base: the Jaxxon Training Facility. The shift comes after Chimaev previously trained at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, and signals a deliberate effort to refine his fight preparation, an area that has faced scrutiny in the past.
The bout, set to headline UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, represents a significant moment for Chimaev (15-0), who claimed the 185-pound crown with a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis last August. Strickland (30-7), a former middleweight champion himself, presents a formidable challenge, having recently rebounded from a loss to du Plessis with a knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez in February.
The Jaxxon Training Facility, spearheaded by businessman Bear Degidio, has quickly become a notable hub for MMA fighters. Degidio, a former professional paintball player, has cultivated a state-of-the-art environment designed to cater to the specific needs of combat athletes. The facility’s appeal lies in its comprehensive approach, offering not only top-tier equipment but as well connections to experienced coaches and support staff.
Chimaev’s move to Jaxxon appears to be part of a broader strategy to address past concerns regarding his fight preparation. Previously, Chimaev voiced issues with overtraining and insufficient rest while working with his former team, factors he believed contributed to health challenges. The new setup aims to provide a more balanced and tailored approach.
A key component of Chimaev’s preparation at Jaxxon is his collaboration with Sam Calavitta, a renowned fitness coach. Calavitta’s expertise focuses on improving athletes’ conditioning and endurance, areas where Chimaev has sought to enhance his performance. Videos circulating online show Chimaev working with Khalil Rountree Jr. At the facility, indicating a focused and collaborative training environment.
Degidio emphasized the intention behind bringing Chimaev to Jaxxon, stating in a recent YouTube interview, “We gave him the entire facility in the Jaxxon Media House and went and built the cage for him and built the gym equipment, we had everything he needed.” He further highlighted the goal of assembling a strong team around Chimaev, mirroring the support system that helped him secure the middleweight title.
The dynamic between Chimaev and Strickland adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash. The two fighters previously trained together at Xtreme Couture, a relationship that has since dissolved, potentially fueling their competitive animosity. Strickland’s path back to a title shot has been marked by resilience, including a stunning upset victory over Israel Adesanya in 2023 before losing the title to du Plessis.
While Chimaev remains undefeated, his recent performances have underscored the importance of meticulous preparation. His dominant wins over former champions Kamaru Usman, Robert Whittaker, and du Plessis established him as a force in the middleweight division, but the challenge posed by Strickland demands a refined and strategic approach.
The co-main event of UFC 328 will feature a pivotal heavyweight bout between Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Sean Brady will face Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight contest, and Jan Blachowicz will rematch Bogdan Guskov after their prior encounter ended in a draw. A lightweight clash between King Green and Jeremy Stephens is also scheduled for the card.
As Chimaev prepares to defend his title, the Jaxxon Training Facility and the guidance of Degidio and Calavitta represent a new chapter in his career. The focus now is on translating this refined preparation into a dominant performance against Strickland, solidifying Chimaev’s position as the reigning middleweight champion.