“Fight somebody like me!” Paulo Costa advises Kamaru Usman to make a permanent move to middleweight

Paulo Costa wants Kamaru Usman to stay at middleweight and fight him next.

“Fight somebody like me!” Paulo Costa advises Kamaru Usman to make a permanent move to middleweight

Paulo Costa wants Kamaru Usman to stay at middleweight (via Imago)

Paulo Costa has a message for Kamaru Usman, who debuted in the middleweight division at UFC 294. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ until UFC 294 competed in the welterweight division. He only moved to 185lbs to fight Khamzat Chimaev as a late replacement. Although he lost, he was confused about staying in the weight class or moving back to 170 lbs. Now, potential opponent Paulo Costa advised him on the matter.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Paulo Costa showed interest in fighting Kamaru Usman next. As such, he believed Usman had the potential to shine at middleweight than at welterweight. Here is what the Brazilian star said:

My message for him is... Kamaru, you're a very talented guy. I think you have potential to perform better on middleweight right now, than welterweight. You did a lot in the welterweight, I think you should come up to middleweight and fight somebody like me.
Paulo Costa (via Submission Radio)
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Kamaru Usman reigned as a dominant champion in the welterweight division and racked up five title defenses. But, in 2022, he lost the title to Leon Edwards and couldn’t reclaim the throne even in a rematch. As such, he was forced to earn his way back to the championship. He took a short-notice opportunity at middleweight and fought Khamzat Chimaev. Although the fight was a close one, he lost via Majority decision.

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Paulo Costa recently lost his fight to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298. Coming back from an 18-month layoff, ‘Borrachinha’ showed incredible improvements in his performance. However, it wasn’t enough to get the win. As such, he wanted to bounce back. So, he called out Kamaru Usman, who also lost his previous fight to have fair stakes.

Paulo Costa previews the fight with Kamaru Usman

Paulo Costa aimed to fight the former champion Kamaru Usman next. As such, he previewed how their fight would play out. As a fan of knockouts, ‘Borrachinha’ was dreadful about his recent performances. In his last five fights, he won only two by decision. So, he wanted to secure a knockout in his next fight and called out Usman as the perfect dance partner.

Paulo Costa previews his potential fight with Kamaru Usman
Paulo Costa previews his potential fight with Kamaru Usman (via MMA Fighting)

One could not forget the knockout victory of Kamaru Usman against Jorge Masvidal. As such, Paulo Costa stated that Kamaru Usman had the knockout power and wanted to fight him. Here is what he said:

I’m the kind of guy who looks to fight for finish. I think (Kamaru) Usman is the same. He has knockout power. It would be a very exciting fight for everyone, for me as well.

Kamaru Usman (via Submission Radio)

If the UFC booked this fight, Paulo Costa and Kamaru Usman would be coming off decision losses to Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, respectively. This meant both fighters might remain hungry and motivated to get a victory.

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