Khamzat Chimaev, the dominant UFC middleweight champion, recently impressed fans with his impressive striking skills while training alongside light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. The sessions, held at RDX Sports Gym, revealed Chimaev’s noticeably bulked-up physique and suggested a possible transition to the light heavyweight division. His recovery from a knee injury appears to be progressing well, with sharp stand-up work catching the attention of observers and fans alike.
Known for his suffocating grappling and relentless wrestling pressure, Chimaev carries the fierce persona of a hardened Chechen competitor. After winning the middleweight title at UFC 319 by defeating Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev was forced onto the sidelines due to a recurring knee injury that required surgery. This procedure has kept him out of competition until mid-2026, postponing his first title defense since claiming the belt.
High-Intensity Sparring Sessions Showcase Improved Striking
Recent footage from the gym highlights Chimaev’s sharp striking combinations delivered at a fast pace against Rountree, a Muay Thai specialist known for his striking prowess at 205 pounds. During these sessions, Rountree appeared caught off guard by the sheer power behind some of Chimaev’s punches. Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold was also present, engaging in both striking and grappling drills with Chimaev. Despite previous tensions between the two rivals during Rockhold’s UFC tenure, they have since reconciled and now regularly train in the same camp.
In addition to his striking improvement, Chimaev has been working with renowned strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, whose technical and analytical approach aims to enhance athletic performance. This collaboration is particularly important given Chimaev’s history of recurring injuries that have interrupted his career.
Discussions around Chimaev’s future have increasingly focused on a potential move to the light heavyweight division, currently led by champion Alex Pereira. The images of Chimaev’s increased muscle mass and rigorous training with a top light heavyweight contender lend credibility to this prospect, creating speculation about the next chapter of his UFC career.
Social Media Buzz: Fans React to Chimaev’s Training
Clips of Chimaev sparring with Khalil Rountree Jr. and Luke Rockhold generated significant buzz across social media platforms. Fans expressed admiration for Chimaev’s physical condition, emphasizing his more muscular build and refined striking skills. Many took the intense sparring as a sign that the fighter is recovering well and evolving his game beyond his established wrestling dominance.
Speculation about Chimaev’s intentions in the light heavyweight division grew, as training extensively with a 205-pound athlete like Rountree hints at a serious plan to compete at a higher weight class. Observers noted the fast exchanges and power Chimaev displayed in these stand-up battles, signaling development in his striking game to match the division’s elite power punchers.
People can say whatever they want on Khamzat but he is a beast, he is on another level. If there’s anyone who can be a 3 weight class champion it’s definitely him— Has MMA Returned to PEAK ERA? (@HasMMAPeaked) February 26, 2026
Khamzat Chimaev is toying with Khalil Rountree, he might as well already move up to light heavyweight as no one in the middleweight division is on his level— Nofanboymma (@nofanboymma) February 26, 2026
Khamzat looks phenomenal!Strickland better work his jiu jitsu to create space asap well as his walk walking skills to get the fight back on the feet and in his comfort zone.— Ike🥇Oss (@IkeFeldman) February 26, 2026
Did he almost KO Khalil? Wtf Strickland and Imamov might be cooked even on the feet bruh 😭😭— LukaGC (Commissions Open) (@AmazingLukaGC) February 26, 2026
Boxing looks really good. I think he hurt Khalil with that uppercut. I don’t like how he’s switching stances tho, he’s gotta practice hiding it better!— Riq (@Enrique_mekhi) February 26, 2026
Bro is bulking— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) February 26, 2026
seeing him outstrike khalil rountree and outgrapple luke rockhold in the same session is kinda insane to see— big think (@ermmionkno) February 27, 2026
The thing about Khamzat is he isn’t afraid to throw hands. Bro will get absolutely rocked and keep riding. The DDP performance was just a smart dominant way to secure the bag😂😂— TheFlowMann (@iflowmannMMA) February 26, 2026
Implications for Middleweight Contenders in Upcoming Battles
The improved stand-up game displayed by Chimaev has added a layer of uncertainty for middleweight fighters such as Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, both noted for their striking skills and title ambitions. Fans and analysts wondered how these contenders, known primarily for their striking, would cope with a more well-rounded Chimaev, who now appears comfortable trading blows as well as grappling.
Chimaev’s evolving skill set and possible move to light heavyweight could reshape the UFC landscape by creating new match-up possibilities across multiple divisions. His ability to blend powerful striking with his already fearsome wrestling will present a significant challenge to anyone attempting to dethrone him, regardless of weight class.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Chimaev’s Next Steps
With recovery from surgery well underway and clear signs of progression in both his physical condition and striking abilities, Khamzat Chimaev’s return to competition is highly anticipated. Whether he chooses to defend his middleweight title or pursue a new challenge at light heavyweight, his ongoing training with Khalil Rountree Jr and others marks a critical period in his career development.
The potential shift between weight classes, paired with his multifaceted approach to combat, could elevate Chimaev’s status in UFC history. Fans remain eager to see how his rivalry with current champions like Alex Pereira will unfold, and how he adapts his style against the fierce competition awaiting him in the Octagon.
https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/2027120045126480011
People can say whatever they want on Khamzat but he is a beast, he is on another level. If there’s anyone who can be a 3 weight class champion it’s definitely him
— Has MMA Returned to PEAK ERA? (@HasMMAPeaked) February 26, 2026
Khamzat Chimaev is toying with Khalil Rountree, he might as well already move up to light heavyweight as no one in the middleweight division is on his level
— Nofanboymma (@nofanboymma) February 26, 2026
Khamzat looks phenomenal!
Strickland better work his jiu jitsu to create space asap well as his walk walking skills to get the fight back on the feet and in his comfort zone.
— Ike🥇Oss (@IkeFeldman) February 26, 2026
https://twitter.com/AmazingLukaGC/status/2027130731885945077
Boxing looks really good. I think he hurt Khalil with that uppercut. I don’t like how he’s switching stances tho, he’s gotta practice hiding it better!
— Riq (@Enrique_mekhi) February 26, 2026
Bro is bulking
— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) February 26, 2026
seeing him outstrike khalil rountree and outgrapple luke rockhold in the same session is kinda insane to see
— big think (@ermmionkno) February 27, 2026
The thing about Khamzat is he isn’t afraid to throw hands. Bro will get absolutely rocked and keep riding. The DDP performance was just a smart dominant way to secure the bag😂😂
— TheFlowMann (@iflowmannMMA) February 26, 2026
