UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa didn’t hold back his thoughts on rival Khamzat Chimaev following his dominant performance at UFC 318 in New Orleans on Saturday night.
The Brazilian powerhouse snapped his concerning 1-4 record with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov in the co-main event. After displaying an impressive arsenal of devastating kicks and power punches that repeatedly found their mark, Costa seemed rejuvenated and ready to make noise in the middleweight division once again.
But it wasn’t just his in-cage performance that had people talking. In his post-match interview, Costa unleashed a verbal assault on Khamzat Chimaev, reigniting their long-simmering rivalry.
“Where is that guy hiding now?” Costa shouted to the enthusiastic New Orleans crowd. “He talks big on social media but disappears when it’s time to sign contracts. I’m back, I’m healthy, and I’m ready to expose him.”
The bad blood between Costa and Chimaev dates back to several heated exchanges on social media and a notorious incident at the UFC Performance Institute where security had to intervene between the two.
Costa particularly took issue with Chimaev’s selective approach to accepting opponents. “He only wants easy matchups. When they offered him Paulo Costa, suddenly he has ‘health issues’ or needs ‘more time.’ The UFC fans deserve better than that,” Costa declared.
The timing of Costa’s callout couldn’t be more strategic, coming off his first victory since defeating Luke Rockhold in 2022. His performance against Kopylov showcased a disciplined and technical approach, particularly with his body and leg kicks that visibly wore down his opponent throughout the three-round affair.
When asked about what’s next, Costa was unequivocal: “I want Chimaev next, but I don’t think he has the courage to accept. If not him, anyone in the top five. I’m back to claim what should be mine.”
UFC President Dana White remained non-committal when asked about the potential matchup in the post-event press conference, but acknowledged that Costa’s impressive showing has certainly put him back in the conversation among the division’s elite contenders.
Whether Chimaev responds to this latest provocation remains to be seen.
