Paulo Costa is eager to get back into the octagon and has ambitious plans for his next steps. Following a successful move to light heavyweight where he decisively defeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, the 35-year-old Brazilian is targeting a return in either July or August.
Costa has expressed openness to competing across multiple weight classes, including middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight. However, his immediate focus has shifted away from a highly anticipated matchup with Khamzat Chimaev.
The fighter stated that he no longer believes a fight with Chimaev will materialize this year. Costa attributes this to Chimaev’s recent loss to Sean Strickland for the middleweight title, suggesting that “Borz” is now mentally affected and his career trajectory is uncertain. Costa elaborated:
“I know many of you guys want me to face gourmet Chechen Chimaev, aka gourmet Chen Chen, next. I don’t think it’s going to happen. Why? Because he’s broke, I think he’s done. I don’t think he will be back, and even if he can grow up and be back, this will not be this year. So let’s move on. I have a bunch of fights. Great fights, great matches to do. Alright. I want to fight as soon as possible. I think August is an amazing date. Even July… So stop talking about gourmet Chechen, okay? You know I wished to do that fight before he lost, but you know mental strength is not one of his qualities. He has a lot of problems to solve.”
With Chimaev focused on regaining his title, Costa is prepared to remain active and explore other potential opponents. While he previously desired the Chimaev bout, he is now considering other matchups, indicating a desire to keep his career progressing.
Paulo Costa says fight with Khamzat Chimaev is NOT going to happen
He said he wants to fight in August-July.
Open to fight at Middleweight, Light Heavyweight or even heavyweight.