In the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts, where the difference between championship glory and devastating defeat often comes down to the smallest margins, preparation is everything. As Khamzat Chimaev prepares for the most significant fight of his career—a UFC 319 middleweight title bout against Dricus Du Plessis on August 16, 2025—the Swedish-Chechen fighter has made a radical departure from his traditional training methods. This time, "Borz" has traveled to the United States to work with one of the most unconventional yet effective conditioning coaches in combat sports: Sam "Coach Cal" Calavitta.

The story of Chimaev's UFC 319 training camp is not just about physical preparation; it's about transformation, innovation, and the pursuit of perfection in the most demanding sport on earth. From the garage-based training sessions in Orange County, California, to the high-tech facilities of the Jaxxxon Center, this camp represents a complete reimagining of how an elite fighter prepares for championship competition.

The Genesis of a Championship Camp

Khamzat Chimaev's decision to train in the United States for UFC 319 marks a significant shift in his preparation strategy. Known for his devastating early finishes and relentless pressure, Chimaev has faced persistent questions about his cardio and conditioning in longer fights. His two decision victories in his UFC career—against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman—exposed potential vulnerabilities that championship-level opponents could exploit.

The choice to work with Coach Cal was not made lightly. After experiencing health issues that led to multiple hospitalizations and forced withdrawals from high-profile fights, Chimaev recognized the need for a more scientific, sustainable approach to training. The partnership with Calavitta represents more than just a change in coaching; it's a fundamental reimagining of how one of the UFC's most feared fighters prepares his body and mind for competition.

As Chimaev's manager noted in a recent interview, the improvements have been dramatic and measurable: "Yeah. I mean, you see it every week, it just gets better and better. Coach Cal also, he's looking at the numbers, you know, he's saying that it's incredible the numbers that he's doing out." This data-driven approach to conditioning represents a stark contrast to Chimaev's previous training methods, which often relied more on raw intensity than scientific precision.

Meet Coach Cal: The Mathematical Mind Behind MMA's Most Intense Training

To understand the transformation taking place in Khamzat Chimaev's preparation, one must first understand the man orchestrating it. Sam "Coach Cal" Calavitta is unlike any other conditioning coach in mixed martial arts. By day, he's a master mathematics teacher at Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim, California, recognized as one of the world's best calculus instructors. By night and on weekends, he transforms elite athletes in his garage-based training facility known as The Treigning Lab.

Calavitta's background is as unique as his training methods. With nearly 35 years of teaching and coaching experience, he was recognized as the best calculus teacher in the world in 2005 and received the prestigious Siemens Award for Advanced Placement in 2009. His mathematical mind brings a level of precision and analytical thinking to athletic conditioning that is rarely seen in the sport.

The 60-something coach lives in Yorba Linda, California, with his wife Monica and their nine children. His approach to training is deeply rooted in family values and biblical principles, creating an environment that extends far beyond physical conditioning. As stated on The Treigning Lab website, "Family is a very important part of their lives and the Treigning Lab is an extension of that family. Their desire is that anyone who comes into the Treigning Lab will feel like they belong and have direction for their own pursuits."

But don't let the family-friendly philosophy fool you. Coach Cal's training methods are legendary for their intensity and effectiveness. His garage-based approach has produced champions across multiple combat sports, including former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, Bellator champion Juan Archuleta, and numerous high-level wrestlers and grapplers.

The Science Behind the Madness

What sets Coach Cal apart from other conditioning coaches is his scientific approach to training and recovery. The Treigning Lab has developed proprietary methods for balancing intense training with proper recovery, utilizing data analytics and mathematical modeling to optimize athlete performance. This approach is particularly crucial for a fighter like Chimaev, whose previous training methods led to overtraining and health complications.

Calavitta's background as an Ironman triathlete—having completed 17 Ironman distance races and qualified for the world championships in Kona, Hawaii—gives him unique insights into endurance training and the physiological demands of sustained high-intensity effort. This experience translates directly to MMA, where fighters must maintain peak performance across multiple five-minute rounds.

The coach's mathematical background also influences his training philosophy. Just as he breaks down complex calculus problems into manageable components for his students, he deconstructs the physical and mental demands of MMA competition into specific, measurable training objectives. This systematic approach allows for precise tracking of progress and adjustment of training loads based on objective data rather than subjective feelings.

The Garage Revolution: Where Champions Are Forged

The heart of Khamzat Chimaev's UFC 319 preparation takes place in what might seem like an unlikely setting: Coach Cal's garage in Orange County, California. This unassuming space has become legendary in MMA circles, earning the nickname "The Garage" and spawning a popular video series documenting the intense training sessions that take place within its walls.

The garage training philosophy represents a return to the fundamental principles of athletic development. Stripped of the bells and whistles of modern commercial gyms, The Garage focuses on basic, brutal effectiveness. The space is equipped with essential training tools: bikes for cardio conditioning, wrestling mats for grappling work, and various implements for strength and conditioning exercises.

What makes The Garage special is not its equipment but its atmosphere. Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub, who has observed training sessions firsthand, described the environment in stark terms: "If I had to describe it in one single word, it would be intense. It's just their focus. I think maybe this is how they've always done camp." He continued, "For my camp, it was serious, especially when you are like 2-3 weeks out. It was serious. But you still wanted a playful kind of vibe energy where it's not so serious. They don't have that. Like it's so intense, it's so serious."

This intensity is not accidental but carefully cultivated. Coach Cal believes that championship-level performance requires championship-level preparation, and that means creating an environment where every moment of training is purposeful and demanding. The garage setting eliminates distractions and forces athletes to focus entirely on the task at hand.

The Garage Legends: Elite Training Partners

One of the most significant advantages of Chimaev's training camp at The Garage is the caliber of training partners available. The facility regularly hosts some of the most elite fighters and grapplers in the world, creating an environment where Chimaev can test himself against world-class competition daily.

Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC lightweight contender and former title challenger, has been a constant presence in Chimaev's camp. Tsarukyan brings elite-level wrestling and conditioning to the training sessions, providing Chimaev with looks at different styles and approaches. The Armenian fighter's own championship aspirations create a competitive dynamic that pushes both athletes to higher levels.

The presence of these elite training partners creates what Coach Cal calls "iron sharpening iron"—a environment where world-class athletes push each other to levels they couldn't reach training alone. The competitive dynamic extends beyond formal training sessions, with athletes constantly challenging each other in conditioning drills, technique work, and mental preparation.

The Garage Training Methodology

The training methodology employed in The Garage represents a unique blend of old-school toughness and modern sports science. Sessions typically begin with extensive warm-up routines designed to prepare the body for intense work while reducing injury risk. Coach Cal's mathematical background is evident in the precise timing and progression of these warm-ups, with each component serving a specific physiological purpose.

Cardio conditioning forms the cornerstone of the garage training experience. Coach Cal's bike workouts have become legendary among MMA fighters for their brutality and effectiveness. These sessions are not simply about riding a stationary bike; they involve complex interval protocols designed to replicate the specific energy system demands of MMA competition.

The conditioning protocols are based on detailed analysis of fight data, breaking down the specific work-to-rest ratios, heart rate zones, and metabolic demands of championship-level MMA. This scientific approach ensures that every minute of conditioning work directly translates to improved performance in the octagon.

Wrestling and grappling work in The Garage emphasizes both technical development and conditioning. Sessions often involve extended periods of high-intensity grappling designed to simulate the fatigue and stress of late-round competition. Coach Cal's background working with elite wrestlers brings a level of technical sophistication to these sessions that goes beyond simple conditioning.

The Jaxxxon Center Connection: High-Tech Meets Old-School

While The Garage represents the heart of Chimaev's training camp, his preparation also extends to the more technologically advanced facilities at the Jaxxxon Center in California. This connection represents the perfect marriage of Coach Cal's old-school intensity with modern training technology and recovery methods.

The Jaxxxon Center provides access to advanced recovery modalities, nutritional support, and technical training that complements the conditioning work done in The Garage. This dual-facility approach allows Chimaev to benefit from both the raw intensity of garage training and the precision of modern sports science.

The partnership between The Treigning Lab and the Jaxxxon Center reflects a broader trend in elite athletic preparation, where the most successful athletes combine traditional training methods with cutting-edge technology and support systems. For Chimaev, this means having access to the best of both worlds as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.

Addressing the Cardio Question: A Scientific Approach to Chimaev's Biggest Challenge

Perhaps no aspect of Khamzat Chimaev's game has been more scrutinized than his cardio and conditioning in longer fights. His early UFC career was built on devastating first-round finishes, but his decision victories against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman raised questions about his ability to maintain his pace and effectiveness in championship rounds.

The partnership with Coach Cal represents a direct response to these concerns, bringing a level of scientific rigor to conditioning that Chimaev had never experienced before. The approach goes far beyond simply doing more cardio; it involves a complete reimagining of how conditioning work is structured, monitored, and integrated with technical training.

The Numbers Don't Lie

One of the most significant advantages of working with Coach Cal is the data-driven approach to measuring and improving conditioning. Unlike traditional training camps that rely on subjective assessments of fitness, The Treigning Lab utilizes precise metrics to track progress and adjust training loads.

As Chimaev's manager noted, the improvements are evident in the numbers: "Coach Cal also, he's looking at the numbers, you know, he's saying that it's incredible the numbers that he's doing out." These metrics likely include heart rate variability, lactate threshold measurements, VO2 max testing, and other advanced physiological markers that provide objective evidence of conditioning improvements.

The mathematical precision that Coach Cal brings to conditioning work allows for optimization that would be impossible with traditional methods. By tracking specific physiological responses to different training stimuli, the team can identify the most effective protocols for improving the specific energy systems most important for MMA performance.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Chimaev's previous health issues serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overtraining and the importance of proper recovery. His admission that he "used to go to the gym and just train until I was done" and ended up "in the hospital three times in a row within three weeks" highlights the need for a more sophisticated approach.

The new training philosophy emphasizes the balance between stress and recovery, utilizing Coach Cal's scientific background to optimize training loads. As Chimaev explained, "They now let me rest and recover properly" and "I use a better approach. I work with good coaches, raised a lot of world champions."

This shift represents more than just a change in training volume; it's a fundamental reimagining of how elite athletes should prepare for competition. The focus on recovery and regeneration is as important as the training itself, ensuring that Chimaev arrives at UFC 319 in peak condition rather than overtrained and depleted.

The Mental Game: Building Championship Mindset

While much attention has been focused on the physical aspects of Chimaev's training camp, the mental and psychological preparation taking place at The Treigning Lab is equally important. Coach Cal's background as an educator brings unique insights into learning, motivation, and mental preparation that extend far beyond traditional sports psychology.

The garage training environment itself serves as a form of mental conditioning. The stripped-down, no-frills setting forces athletes to find motivation from within rather than relying on external stimulation. This internal focus is crucial for championship-level competition, where fighters must perform under the most intense pressure imaginable.

Coach Cal's family-oriented philosophy also plays a role in mental preparation. The sense of belonging and purpose that athletes develop at The Treigning Lab creates a support system that extends far beyond the physical training. This emotional foundation provides stability and confidence that can be crucial during the stress of championship competition.

Visualization and Mental Rehearsal

The mathematical precision that characterizes Coach Cal's physical training extends to mental preparation as well. Athletes at The Treigning Lab engage in detailed visualization exercises that break down fight scenarios into specific, manageable components. This systematic approach to mental rehearsal helps fighters prepare for the chaos and unpredictability of championship competition.

The visualization work focuses on both technical scenarios and emotional responses. Fighters practice maintaining composure under pressure, executing game plans when fatigued, and adapting to unexpected situations. This mental training is as rigorous and systematic as the physical conditioning, ensuring that athletes are prepared for every aspect of championship competition.

Technical Refinements: Perfecting the Details

While conditioning has been the primary focus of Chimaev's training camp, significant attention has also been paid to technical refinements that could prove crucial in his title fight against Du Plessis. The combination of Coach Cal's analytical approach and the high-level training partners available at The Garage has created opportunities for technical development that would be impossible in a traditional training environment.

Wrestling and Grappling Evolution

Chimaev's wrestling has always been his most dominant weapon, but the training camp has focused on refining the details that separate good wrestlers from great ones. Working with elite training partners like Arman Tsarukyan has exposed Chimaev to different wrestling styles and approaches, forcing him to adapt and evolve his technique.

The emphasis has been on efficiency and energy conservation, crucial factors for maintaining wrestling effectiveness in championship rounds. Coach Cal's analytical approach has helped identify specific technical adjustments that can reduce energy expenditure while maintaining or increasing effectiveness.

The grappling work has also focused on submission defense and escape techniques, areas that could prove crucial against a well-rounded opponent like Du Plessis. The training partners available at The Garage provide looks at different submission styles and approaches, helping Chimaev prepare for various scenarios he might encounter in the title fight.

Striking Development

While wrestling remains Chimaev's primary weapon, his striking has shown continuous improvement throughout his UFC career. The training camp has focused on integrating his striking more effectively with his wrestling, creating seamless transitions between different phases of combat.

The work has emphasized boxing fundamentals and defensive positioning, areas that become increasingly important in championship-level competition. The goal is not to transform Chimaev into a pure striker but to make his striking more efficient and effective in supporting his overall game plan.

Footwork and movement have received particular attention, as these elements become crucial for maintaining wrestling effectiveness while avoiding prolonged striking exchanges. The training has focused on creating angles and opportunities for takedowns while minimizing exposure to counter-attacks.

Recovery and Regeneration: The Science of Rest

One of the most significant changes in Chimaev's training approach has been the emphasis on recovery and regeneration. Coach Cal's scientific background has brought a level of sophistication to recovery protocols that goes far beyond traditional rest periods.

Sleep Optimization

Sleep quality and quantity have been identified as crucial factors in Chimaev's preparation. The training camp has implemented specific sleep hygiene protocols designed to optimize recovery and adaptation. This includes attention to sleep environment, timing, and duration, all based on scientific research into athletic recovery.

The mathematical precision that characterizes other aspects of the training extends to sleep monitoring as well. Specific metrics are tracked to ensure that Chimaev is getting the quality and quantity of sleep necessary for optimal adaptation to training stress.

Nutritional Precision

The nutritional approach at The Treigning Lab reflects the same scientific rigor applied to other aspects of training. Rather than relying on general guidelines, the nutrition plan is tailored specifically to Chimaev's individual needs, training demands, and recovery requirements.

The approach emphasizes nutrient timing and quality, ensuring that Chimaev's body has the fuel necessary for intense training while supporting optimal recovery and adaptation. This precision in nutritional planning represents a significant upgrade from previous training camps and could prove crucial for maintaining energy and focus throughout a five-round championship fight.

Active Recovery Protocols

The training camp has implemented specific active recovery protocols designed to enhance adaptation while preventing overtraining. These sessions focus on movement quality, mobility, and light conditioning work that supports recovery rather than adding additional stress.

The active recovery work is as carefully planned and monitored as the intense training sessions, reflecting Coach Cal's understanding that recovery is not simply the absence of training but an active process that requires specific attention and planning.

The Psychological Edge: Confidence Through Preparation

Perhaps the most significant benefit of Chimaev's training camp with Coach Cal has been the psychological confidence that comes from knowing he has prepared more thoroughly and scientifically than ever before. The data-driven approach provides objective evidence of improvement that goes beyond subjective feelings or coach assessments.

Measurable Progress

The ability to track specific metrics and see objective improvements has provided Chimaev with unprecedented confidence in his preparation. Rather than hoping he is in good shape, he knows exactly where he stands based on measurable data. This certainty can be a significant psychological advantage in championship competition.

The progress tracking also allows for real-time adjustments to training plans, ensuring that every aspect of preparation is optimized for peak performance on fight night. This level of precision and control can provide significant peace of mind for an athlete preparing for the biggest fight of his career.

Team Confidence

The confidence extends beyond Chimaev himself to his entire team. Coach Cal's track record of success and scientific approach has created a sense of certainty and purpose that permeates the entire training camp. This collective confidence can be crucial during the stress and uncertainty of championship competition.

The team's belief in their preparation and methods provides a foundation of stability that can help Chimaev maintain focus and composure under the intense pressure of a title fight. This psychological support system is as important as any physical preparation in determining championship success.

The Road to UFC 319: Final Preparations

As UFC 319 approaches, Chimaev's training camp enters its final phase, with emphasis shifting from building fitness and skills to maintaining peak condition while avoiding injury. The scientific approach that has characterized the entire camp becomes even more crucial during this delicate period.

Tapering Protocols

The final weeks of preparation involve carefully planned tapering protocols designed to maintain fitness while allowing for complete recovery from the accumulated stress of training camp. Coach Cal's mathematical background is particularly valuable during this phase, as the timing and intensity of final preparations can significantly impact fight night performance.

The tapering process is based on scientific research into athletic peaking, with specific protocols designed to ensure that Chimaev arrives at UFC 319 in optimal condition. This represents a significant departure from traditional training camps that often involve training hard right up until fight week.

Mental Preparation Intensification

The final phase of camp also involves intensified mental preparation, with increased focus on visualization, game planning, and psychological readiness. The systematic approach to mental training that has characterized the entire camp reaches its culmination during these final weeks.

The mental preparation includes specific scenarios and contingency plans for different fight situations, ensuring that Chimaev is prepared for whatever challenges Du Plessis might present. This level of mental preparation reflects the same thoroughness and precision that has characterized every other aspect of the training camp.

The Legacy of Innovation

Regardless of the outcome at UFC 319, Chimaev's training camp with Coach Cal represents a significant innovation in MMA preparation. The combination of old-school intensity with cutting-edge sports science creates a template that could influence how elite fighters prepare for championship competition.

Influence on the Sport

The success of this training approach could lead to broader adoption of similar methods throughout MMA. The emphasis on data-driven conditioning, scientific recovery protocols, and systematic mental preparation represents an evolution in how the sport approaches athletic development.

The garage training philosophy also challenges conventional wisdom about what elite training facilities should look like. The focus on atmosphere and intensity over equipment and amenities could influence how other fighters and coaches approach training environment design.

Setting New Standards

The level of preparation and scientific rigor demonstrated in Chimaev's camp sets new standards for what championship-level preparation should involve. Future title challengers may find themselves needing to match this level of thoroughness and precision to compete at the highest level.

The integration of academic expertise with athletic training also represents a broader trend toward interdisciplinary approaches to athletic development. Coach Cal's background as an educator brings perspectives and methods that are rarely seen in traditional MMA training.

Conclusion: The Transformation of a Champion

As Khamzat Chimaev prepares to step into the octagon at UFC 319, he does so as a fundamentally different fighter than the one who first burst onto the UFC scene with devastating early finishes. The transformation that has taken place during his training camp with Coach Cal represents more than just improved conditioning; it's a complete evolution in how an elite athlete approaches preparation and competition.

The garage training sessions, the scientific approach to conditioning, the elite training partners, and the systematic mental preparation have all combined to create a version of Chimaev that is more complete, more prepared, and more dangerous than ever before. The questions about his cardio and conditioning that have followed him throughout his career may finally be answered definitively at UFC 319.

The partnership with Coach Cal has provided Chimaev with more than just improved fitness; it has given him a systematic approach to excellence that extends far beyond physical preparation. The mathematical precision, the family atmosphere, and the relentless pursuit of improvement that characterize The Treigning Lab have created an environment where championship-level performance becomes not just possible but inevitable.

Whether this transformation will be enough to capture the UFC middleweight championship remains to be seen. What is certain is that Chimaev will enter the octagon at UFC 319 better prepared than he has ever been, armed with the confidence that comes from knowing he has left no stone unturned in his pursuit of championship glory.

The story of Chimaev's training camp with Coach Cal is ultimately a story about the pursuit of perfection in an imperfect sport. It's about the marriage of old-school toughness with modern science, the power of systematic preparation, and the transformation that becomes possible when an elite athlete commits completely to a revolutionary approach to training.

As the mixed martial arts world prepares to witness this transformation in action, one thing is certain: the garage in Orange County, California, has produced something special. Whether that something is enough to capture UFC gold will be determined on August 16, 2025, when Khamzat Chimaev steps into the octagon as the most prepared version of himself he has ever been.

The revolution that began in Coach Cal's garage is about to be tested on the sport's biggest stage. The results will not only determine the fate of the UFC middleweight championship but could also influence how future generations of fighters approach the art and science of championship preparation.

In the end, the true measure of this revolutionary training camp will not be found in the data, the metrics, or the scientific protocols. It will be found in those crucial moments when the octagon door closes, the lights are brightest, and everything that has been built in the garage is put to the ultimate test. For Khamzat Chimaev, that moment is fast approaching, and he has never been more ready.

#UFC319 #KhamzatChimaev #MMADataAnalytics