Paulo Costa: Bo Nickal is the real deal

Paulo Costa wants to see more action from Bo Nickal before he gets top names in the UFC middleweight division like Khamzat Chimaev.

Nickal is gaining a ton of hype in the sport. He’s shooting for the top after receiving a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, calling out the likes of Chimaev and other elite members of the 185-pound hierarchy.

Costa, a former UFC title challenger, thinks Nickal is legit, but wants to see more before getting the best.

“The people talk a lot about Bo Nickal here in the United States, but you need to see more,” Costa told MMA Junkie on Friday. “Of course he’s the real deal, he’s a good guy, young guy – very talented. But MMA is so complicated. He needs to prove he can fight the top guys, but not against (Chimaev).”

Costa would prefer to get a fight of his own against Chimaev, but doesn’t believe his rival will move to his weight class, nor fight someone of his caliber.

“I wish that fight,” Costa said. “But I think he will not fight me. He’s ducking. He’s avoiding me, he’s scared as f*ck. He’s calling out Colby Covington right now. I have his hat.”

If Costa can’t secure a bout with Chimaev, he said his top choice would be a showdown with Robert Whittaker at UFC 283 in Brazil on Jan. 21.

“Maybe Whittaker,” Costs said. “January. Doctors say January should be good. This would be amazing I think.”

History of Karate

Karate (空手) (/kəˈrɑːti/; Japanese pronunciation: [kaɾate] (About this soundlisten); Okinawan pronunciation: [kaɽati]) is a martial

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