Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev

Paulo Costa issued a provocative challenge to middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev following his victory at UFC 327.

The Brazilian knocked out Azamat Murzakanov to secure his second consecutive win, after previously defeating Roman Kopylov last July. After the fight, Costa wasted no time in setting his sights on a bigger target.

“This is the second time in a row I’ve beaten a Russian fighter. I hope I can fight a third one—a Chechen delicacy. We’ll see,” Costa said.

However, he questioned whether Chimaev would be willing to accept the challenge:

“I don’t think he has the courage to face me at light heavyweight. But if he wants it—I’m here.”

Costa is clearly aiming for high-profile fights, but such a matchup would require serious negotiations, especially considering Chimaev is the champion in a lower weight class.

At the moment, Khamzat Chimaev is preparing for his next title defense against Sean Strickland, making a potential clash with Costa more of a future possibility.