Paulo Costa says he is no longer interested in fighting Khamzat Chimaev. Costa believes Chimaev is “done” after losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland and would not return this year. Costa wants to fight as soon as possible, targeting July or August. He is open to competing at middleweight, light heavyweight, or heavyweight. Costa proposes three potential opponents for fans to choose from: Josh Hokit, Sean Strickland, or Mike Perry. Costa previously lost to Strickland by decision in 2024, then rebounded with consecutive upset wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov. He has also traded comments with Hokit and has a history of calling out opponents over bonuses.
"“I know many of you guys want to have me facing Gourmet Chen Chen Chimaev next,” Costa said in a since-deleted post on Instagram. “I don't think it's gonna happen. Why? Because he broke; I think he's done, I don't think he'll be back. And even he can grow and be back, it will not be this year. So, let's move on. I have a bunch of fights, great fights, great matches to do. I want to fight as soon as possible.”"
"“I think August is an amazing date, even July. I can fight middleweight, light heavyweight, even heavyweight... Stop talking about Gourmet Chen Chen. I wished to fight him before he lost. But mental strength is not one of his qualities. He has a lot of problems to solve before he's back... Tell right here who you think I should fight. I will bring three names for you guys: Hokit, heavyweight; Strickland, middleweight; Mike Perry. Make your choice.”"
"Costa suffered a decision loss against Strickland in 2024. Costa has since rebounded with consecutive upset wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov. Costa has been trading barbs with Hokit since he won a double bonus with a decision win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 last month. Costa stopped a previously undefeated Murzakanov on the same card and accused Hokit of robbing him of his bonus."
Read at Sherdog
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