'Still the hunter': Khamzat Chimaev keeps predator mindset ahead of UFC 328
Hunter or hunted? Khamzat Chimaev's motivations haven't changed after winning UFC title.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Typically, when a contender becomes a champion, he switches from being the hunter to becoming the hunted. That's not the case with Khamzat Chimaev .
Despite winning the UFC middleweight title, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is still operating with the same mindset he's always had as he approaches his first title defense. Rather than viewing his UFC 328 fight against former champion Sean Strickland as if he's guarding the gold, Chimaev will be the same aggressive predator – and that's because his goals are different. Speaking to MMA Junkie and other reporters during a media scrum at JAXXON House, Chimaev explained why winning the belt doesn't change a thing for him when it comes to his mindset.
"Still the hunter," Chimaev said. "I don't go after the belt. If I was going after the belt, I would finish my career.
I already have the belt. I go for the money. " For Chimaev, the UFC championship just came with his undefeated record.