Arman Tsarukyan has offered some insight into how Khamzat Chimaev is shaping up ahead of his middleweight title clash at UFC 319. The lightweight contender, who’s also chasing gold in his own division, is part of Chimaev’s camp as they prepare for one of the most anticipated main events of the year.
Chimaev is set to headline UFC 319 against Dricus Du Plessis on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago. The undefeated contender (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will finally get a crack at UFC gold after years of hype, dominance, and frustrating inactivity. This fight marks the culmination of a five-year climb—delayed but not derailed.
Chimaev made the move to the U.S. for this camp, locking in his training in California alongside Arman Tsarukyan and strength coach Sam Calavitta. Despite a previous grappling loss to Chimaev last December, Tsarukyan didn’t hesitate to join forces, offering his full support inside the gym.
“He looks sharp, so (I’m) excited to see him as a UFC champion,” Tsarukyan said in a video posted by the JAXXON Podcast. “So far, his camp is going well. He’s healthy. He has a lot of energy, and I’m just here to help him. Whatever they need: If they need the wrestling, I’ll wrestle. If they need striking, I’ll strike. I’m here to help, and I want him to be a UFC champ.”
Chimaev’s run through both the welterweight and middleweight divisions has been nothing short of explosive. He crushed the competition early, then submitted former champ Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308 to earn this shot at the belt. Now, all eyes are on Chicago, where ‘Borz’ aims to deliver on the promise that’s followed him since his debut.
Du Plessis may be unpredictable, but the consensus remains clear, Chimaev has the tools to get it done. With top-level training partners like Arman Tsarukyan in his corner, he’s ticking every box on the road to championship glory.
Tsarukyan, who holds a 22-3 record and sits near the top of the lightweight ranks, continues to build his own case for a title shot. But for now, he’s committed to helping Chimaev reach the mountaintop.
“I’m just here to help,” Tsarukyan said. “And I want him to be a UFC champ.”
