Add prominent UFC middleweight Paulo Costa to the list of fighters who are keen on competing at a potential event held at The White House next year.
The former UFC title contender is slated to return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 318, taking place in New Orleans. Costa, a former rival of Israel Adesanya, is set to face Roman Kopylov in a crucial matchup within the middleweight division.
While Costa is currently focused on his upcoming bout this weekend, he is prepared to make a significant callout if he secures a victory, specifically expressing interest in a potential fight at The White House.
Costa Seeks Rematch with Previously Scheduled Foe at White House Event
U.S. President Donald Trump generated buzz earlier this month by announcing plans for the UFC to host an event at The White House during the Fourth of July weekend in the coming year. UFC CEO Dana White subsequently confirmed these intentions in recent interviews, with high-profile athletes like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor also expressing interest.
Dana White can now include Paulo Costa among the major names interested in resolving a long-standing rivalry inside the Octagon at this unique venue.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Costa was asked about his preferred opponent for a potential UFC card at The White House.
“Chimaev. This son of a b—, I want to fight this guy,” Costa stated.
He continued, “It absolutely has to happen… I will call out his name after UFC 318, provided I earn the win… He needs to fight me, and I need to fight him. Honestly, I’ve been trying to secure a fight against him for a long time. Since our initial confrontation at the UFC Performance Institute, he has consistently avoided fighting me for an extended period. He always declines, despite the UFC attempting to arrange this matchup for roughly two years… The UFC informed me that he didn’t wish to fight… and the very week I underwent surgery, he sent a message to my girlfriend,” Costa recounted. “He behaved like a woman, treating her poorly. He said things like ‘I’m going to beat your husband’… He’s incredibly emotional and acts like a woman. While I respect women, a man should not be so unpredictable and easily lose control; that type of behavior is associated with women, not men. Therefore, I have no respect for him.”
Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to compete against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 next month. The undefeated contender is coming off a victory via submission over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October.
Chimaev and Costa were originally booked to fight at UFC 294, but Costa was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Chimaev subsequently stepped in on short notice and defeated former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at the event.
Khamzat Chimaev Potential Retirement After UFC 319 Win?
One fellow top middleweight contender suggests that Chimaev might abruptly retire from the sport if he manages to claim the UFC middleweight title next month. Caio Borralho mentioned a rumor circulating that Chimaev intends to hang up his gloves if he is victorious at UFC 319.
Costa is looking to get back to winning ways this weekend following a loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302 last year. His most recent victory prior to that came against former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 278.
Based on their upcoming fights and expressed desires, Costa and Chimaev appear to be on a potential collision course for a future matchup.
Jack Thornley