Paulo Costa Eyes Showdown with Khamzat Chimaev Following UFC 318 Victory

The UFC middleweight division just got a whole lot more interesting, folks. After his performance at UFC 318, Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa has made it crystal clear who he wants next – and it’s none other than the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

Coming into his co-main event showdown with Roman Kopylov in Abu Dhabi, Costa wasn’t shy about his intentions. The Brazilian powerhouse had his sights set beyond Saturday night, and now that business is handled, he’s calling his shot.

Costa’s Impressive Return to Form

Let me tell you, Costa looked rejuvenated against Kopylov. After battling injuries and setbacks that limited him to just three fights in the past four years, the Brazilian brawler showed flashes of the intimidating force that once challenged for UFC gold.

His pressure-heavy style and thunderous body attacks wore down the Russian fighter throughout their three-round affair. Costa’s gas tank – previously a question mark – held up impressively as he secured a unanimous decision victory.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that Borrachinha is back in the mix among the middleweight elite.

The Chimaev Callout

In his post-fight interview, Costa wasted no time calling for what could be one of the most explosive matchups in the division:

“Khamzat, you’ve been running long enough,” Costa declared. “It’s time to fight me. The fans want it, I want it, and deep down, you know you want it too. Let’s give the people what they deserve.”

This potential clash has been brewing for months, with social media exchanges between the two fighters keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The timing couldn’t be better – Chimaev is fresh off his dominant victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October.

Why Costa vs. Chimaev Makes Sense

• Both fighters are top-10 middleweights seeking title contention
• Contrasting styles: Costa’s striking prowess vs. Chimaev’s grappling dominance
• The promotional build-up would be electric given their history of trash talk
• Winner could potentially earn a title shot against the Strickland/Du Plessis winner

I’ve covered this sport for years, and matchups with this much heat don’t come around often. The stylistic clash alone would be worth the price of admission.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

The UFC matchmakers have a golden opportunity on their hands. With Dricus Du Plessis set to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland later this year, Costa and Chimaev stand as the perfect title eliminator.

For Costa, this represents his path back to title contention after his 2020 loss to Israel Adesanya. For Chimaev, it’s the chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite after moving up from welterweight.

Fan Reaction

The MMA community has been buzzing since Costa’s callout. Social media metrics show this potential matchup generating more engagement than any other non-title fight possibility in the division.

“This is the fight that makes the most sense right now,” noted veteran MMA analyst Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel. “You’ve got two guys who can’t stand each other, both with legitimate paths to the title.”

The Bottom Line

I’ve seen countless matchups come and go in this sport, but Costa vs. Chimaev has all the ingredients to be special. The contrast in styles, the bad blood, and the high stakes create the perfect storm for an instant classic.

With UFC 320 rumored for Madison Square Garden in November, this clash would make for a perfect co-main event or a Fight Night headliner in its own right.

The ball is now in Chimaev’s court. Will he accept Costa’s challenge, or continue pursuing other options? One thing’s for certain – the MMA world will be watching.

What do you think about this potential matchup? Drop a comment below with your prediction on how this fight would play out!

Note: This article will be updated as more information becomes available regarding the UFC’s plans for both fighters.