“Just to hype this fight” Paulo Costa shatters Khamzat Chimaev’s title shot dreams by making serious claim about Dana White’s promise

Paulo Costa expressed skepticism about Khamzat Chimaev's title shot opportunity in an interview with Ariel Helwani. Costa, who was originally scheduled to fight Chimaev at UFC 294 but had to withdraw due to a staph infection.

“Just to hype this fight” Paulo Costa shatters Khamzat Chimaev’s title shot dreams by making serious claim about Dana White’s promise

Paulo Costa wants to be the first fighter to defeat Khamzat Chimaev

Paulo Costa recently had words to say about Khamzat Chimaev‘s title shot opportunity. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Costa provided what he understood about the title shot. Costa was the original opponent for Chimaev at UFC 294. However, he had to pull out of the fight due to a staph infection.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Costa shared his candid thoughts on the UFC’s operations. He specifically commented on Khamzat Chimaev’s title shot, expressing his doubts about its legitimacy. Here’s what he had to say on “The MMA Hour.”

Here’s what he had to say on “The MMA Hour.”

FS Video
I think Dana White say about that, the next one will be in the line for the title just to hype this event.

Costa is ranked number 6 in the middleweight division and is also a former title challenger. However, he came short in his title shot against Israel Adesanya at UFC 253. Costa also caused a lot of controversy related to contract disputes and weight cuts. He famously missed weight against his bout with Marvin Vettori. Fortunately, Vettori accepted to fight at light heavyweight and the fight proceeded with Vettori winning by unanimous decision.

Chimaev and Costa have a heated feud. They had an altercation at the UFC PI in the fight week of UFC 279. Moreover, they are also seen roasting each other on X, formerly Twitter. Chimaev had words to say about Costa during the pre-fight presser of UFC 294. Furthermore, Costa had an altercation with the audience at UFC 294. Costa was present among the crowds with his partner, Tamara Alves at the event.

Paulo Costa wants the UFC to rebook Khamzat Chimaev for December

On the MMA Hour, Paulo Costa provided his thoughts about Khamzat Chimeav getting a title shot. He said that it was not true as it was just a promotional tactic used by the UFC. Furthermore, he clarified about his future plans and his conversation with Dana White.

Paulo Costa
Paulo Costa (Source: IMAGO)

This is what Paulo Costa said to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour about his future plans. 

I want to fight in December.

Costa had his undefeated streak in MMA snapped by Israel Adesanya in the title fight. Now, with Israel Adesanya on a hiatus, Costa has an easier path to a title shot. The Chimaev bout at UFC 294 could have been his ticket if not for the staph infection. Moreover, Costa and Sean Strickland, the middleweight champion do not see eye to eye. Strickland even urged the UFC to cut Costa from the roster.

In case you missed it!