Khalil Rountree Jr. and Khamzat Chimaev (Image Credits: Imagn)

Khalil Rountree Says One Camp With Khamzat Chimaev Made Him Rethink His Limits

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 3:10 AM ET

Training alongside some of the toughest fighters in the world can often reveal harsh truths about one’s own abilities. For Khalil Rountree Jr., a recent stint at the Training Lab alongside Khamzat Chimaev, who will be fighting Sean Strickland soon.

Rountree, known for his explosive striking and knockout power in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, opened up about what it was like training alongside Chimaev. Speaking during an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, the American fighter admitted that the sessions were not only physically demanding but also mentally humbling.

According to Rountree, the intensity of the workouts pushed him beyond what he believed were his limits. He described the experience as “painful” at times, emphasizing that it forced him to reassess his own conditioning and capabilities.

“It was painful. There were definitely moments where I would call them humbling because they make me question certain things that I even say about myself,” Rountree said. “Sometimes I think I’m in good shape, and then I face a workout like this, and it makes me realize that there’s so much more to go. And so it’s eye-opening.”

"It's eye-opening" – Khalil Rountree says training with Khamzat Chimaev at Training Lab was painful and humbling.

"It was painful. There were definitely moments where I would call them humbling because they make me question certain things that I even say about myself.… pic.twitter.com/WtduFfZNbv
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 14, 2026

The 35-year-old explained that the environment constantly challenges fighters to confront their weaknesses. Even when he felt confident about his physical shape, the grueling nature of the sessions served as a reality check.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Intensity Left a Lasting Impression

Khamzat Chimaev (Image Credits: Imagn)

For Khamzat Chimaev, brutal training sessions are nothing new. The undefeated Chechen-born fighter has built a reputation not only for his dominant performances in the octagon but also for the relentless pace he brings to training camps.

Chimaev’s approach to preparation has been widely praised by coaches and fellow fighters alike. Fighters who train with him frequently note that keeping up with his pace requires exceptional conditioning and mental toughness.

Rountree’s experience at Training Lab highlighted exactly why Chimaev has developed such a fearsome reputation in MMA circles. The sessions, while difficult, offered valuable lessons about pushing past perceived limits and embracing discomfort as part of growth.

For Rountree, the camp ultimately became more than just another training stint. It served as a reminder that the journey toward elite performance never truly ends.

While the workouts may have been painful, they also reinforced the importance of constantly evolving. As Rountree himself admitted, the experience left him with a renewed understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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