'Still the hunter': Khamzat Chimaev keeps predator mindset ahead of UFC 328

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. It's an object that doesn't carry any weight, nor does it add any pressure. In that sense, Chimaev is truly a prizefighter, yet he also doesn't want the belt to distract or change his preparation.

"No, I don't care about my belt," Chimaev said. "I don't need to be the champ in the gym. I have to be a normal guy, working every day."

At UFC 328, Chimaev meets Strickland in the main event to settle what has become a contentious rivalry. A few years ago, the two shared the mats in the training room. Now, there are unhinged comments from Strickland and threats of gun violence should there be any altercations before the cage door shuts at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Chimaev isn't bothered by what the "clown" Strickland says – it's business as usual. Despite what could be perceived as attempts to get under Chimaev's skin, the 185-pound champ won't change a thing, and he certainly won't be studying Strickland's game any closer than he would any other opponent.

"Why should I care about what the guy's gonna do?" Chimaev said. "If you're the hunter, so he don't need to know where is the beef. You just go after smells. Go, take him, eat him up. That's it."