Stop running: Paulo Costa calls out Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman

02 March 2024

UFC middleweight standout Paulo Costa remains steadfast in his pursuit of a fight with longtime rival Khamzat Chimaev, despite his recent defeat to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298. Costa's resilience and determination to secure the highly anticipated matchup have been underscored by his vocal call-outs and renewed trash talk directed at Chimaev.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Costa escalated the verbal sparring by accusing Chimaev of avoiding challenging opponents like himself and lacking the courage to face elite competition. "He needs to stop running. He needs to have balls to face me," Costa asserted, emphasizing his readiness to step into the Octagon against the Swedish phenom.

Despite the ongoing efforts to secure the Chimaev fight, Costa has also identified welterweight champion Kamaru Usman as a potential backup plan. Recognizing both fighters' recent setbacks and the opportunity for a rebound victory, Costa has floated the idea of a matchup with Usman as a compelling option to propel themselves back into contention.

"I think he's coming from a loss as well, I came from a loss," Costa remarked, highlighting the mutual need for a victory to regain momentum. "I think this fight makes sense," he added, citing Usman's versatile skill set and potential move to the middleweight division as factors contributing to the fight's appeal.

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As discussions surrounding potential matchups continue to unfold, fans eagerly await developments in Costa's quest to secure his next Octagon appearance, whether against Chimaev or Usman, in what promises to be an intriguing chapter in the UFC middleweight division.