Khamzat Chimaev has shared his thoughts on the pressure that comes with remaining undefeated in the UFC, emphasizing that maintaining a perfect record is not his primary concern. Following his middleweight championship victory at UFC 319 last Saturday, Chimaev highlighted the challenges of fixating on undefeated status and the importance of focusing on performance instead.
On that night, the 31-year-old middleweight champion defeated Dricus du Plessis with a commanding unanimous decision, extending his professional MMA record to 16-0 and achieving his ninth UFC win. Undefeated fighters have long captured the attention of fans and promoters alike, with notable examples such as Jon Jones—whose only official loss was due to disqualification—and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired without defeat. These flawless records often drive hype and build narratives around their fights.
Despite the growing expectations tied to his unblemished record, Chimaev remains focused on his own approach rather than the numbers. In an interview on the JAXXON PODCAST, he expressed that his identity is not dictated by wins or losses, and that his priority is giving his best effort every time he competes. He recognizes that defeat is always a possibility, but it does not undermine his confidence or commitment.
Other fighters think about [their undefeated records]. I had some friends, they were undefeated, now they lost. Some of them were thinking, ‘I had a zero, I have to keep it.’ I don’t care about it,
Chimaev said.
The good thing is, you stay there and do your best and [that’s] the best thing you can do. If you think about the loss too much, you’re gonna lose. I like to think about only winning, I never think about [losing]. If it happens, it’s God’s will.
What Distinguishes Khamzat Chimaev’s Fighting Philosophy
Chimaev’s mindset extends beyond the desire to remain undefeated; his fearless willingness to face opponents from various weight classes has accelerated his rapid ascent in the UFC ranks. By competing and winning at both welterweight and middleweight, he has demonstrated his versatility and competitive spirit, attracting admiration from fans worldwide.
During his conversation on the JAXXON PODCAST, Chimaev explained that his passion for fighting is the driving force behind his career. Staying true to himself, he finds motivation and joy in the rigorous training and frequent competition that define his life as a UFC fighter.
I wanna fight more than anyone, so that’s the [difference] between some guys,
Chimaev said.
Someone is crying, someone is scared, and they have different emotions. But, for me, the normal thing all my life is that I train hard and fight hard. For me, I’m happy to be there and fight.
Recognition from MMA Icons Adds to Chimaev’s Confidence
Chimaev’s exceptional wrestling ability has played a significant role in his unbeaten streak, earning him respect within the MMA community. One of the notable figures to praise his skills is former UFC star Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, who co-hosts the JAXXON PODCAST alongside Bear Degidio. Degidio shared Jackson’s admiration for Chimaev’s raw physical power and wrestling technique, noting how difficult it is for opponents to bring him to the ground.
Chimaev responded to the compliments with humility and appreciation, recognizing the importance of acknowledgment from veterans who helped shape the sport’s history.
All of us [fighters] felt like [we’re] stronger than anyone, every since I was a kid,
Chimaev said.
It’s good to hear stuff from the legends and other guys who has been starting with MMA. [Jackson] is one of the legends in the sport. Good to hear.
Khamzat Chimaev’s views on staying focused on performance rather than record highlight a mature perspective amid intense expectations. His approach may ease the psychological burden for fighters who often struggle with pressure to protect flawless records. Moving forward, his continued willingness to take on any challenger and maintain his authentic passion will likely keep him at the forefront of UFC competition and fan interest.