Paulo Costa no longer believes a long-discussed showdown with Khamzat Chimaev is going to happen.
The former UFC middleweight title challenger addressed the situation in a recent Instagram video, explaining that he has shifted his focus toward other potential opponents after Chimaev’s loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 earlier this month.
Costa and Chimaev were originally booked to meet at UFC 294 in 2023 before Costa withdrew due to injury. Since returning, Costa has regained momentum with consecutive wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov.
Costa doubts Chimaev returns anytime soon
Costa told fans in an Instagram video that he does not expect Chimaev back in action in the near future. He seems to think the Chechen light-heavyweight may be mentally broken.
“I know many of you guys want to have me facing ‘Gourmet Chen Chen Chimaev’ next.”
“I don’t think this is 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 regrow and be back, this will not be this year.”
“You know I wish to do that fight before he lost, but mental strength is not one of his qualities so, he has a lot of problems to solve before be back.”
Three names now on Costa’s radar
Costa also made it clear he wants to stay active and compete again sooner rather than later.Costa then mentioned three possible opponents he would welcome next.
“Let’s move the page and let’s move on. I would bring three names for you guys: Hokit, heavyweight. Strickland, middleweight, and Mike Perry.”
It is not clear how serious Costa is about these matchups. After all, Costa’s last fight was at light-heavyweight where he KOed Azamat Murzakanov. This earned him a number 7 rank in that division. He could be just one or two fights away from a title shot if he remains at LHW. Plus, the Brazilian Adonis has always struggled to make weight at 185.
A fight with Hokit could be entertaining, though it does nothing for Costa’s career. Meanwhile a fight with Mike Perry is simply out of the question. Mike Perry competes outside the UFC, and at welterweight. He last fought against Nate Diaz in MVP MMA 1.
These callouts could signal a significant career move from Paulo Costa. Could this signal that his career might be over soon? Is he looking for a few big name fights before he retires, instead of chasing the belt at 205? Of course, Costa might just be trolling us.