Paulo Costa has made it clear that his beef with Khamzat Chimaev isn’t manufactured.
Costa and Chimaev are set to share the Octagon at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. “Borrachinha” and “Borz” have been trading barbs on social media for a while now. Back in September 2022, footage surfaced of Costa and Chimaev hurling verbal jabs at one another before being separated in the UFC Performance Institute. Things got heated in person, and now they will get to settle their grudge.
Looks like Chimaev and Costa got into it at the UFC PI pic.twitter.com/5CzMjFF9Zw
— Jason Williams (@jasoneg33) September 6, 2022
Paulo Costa Feels Khamzat Chimaev Fight Was Destiny
During an interview with Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie, Paulo Costa said he long knew that he would be going one-on-one with Khamzat Chimaev.
“Yes, since that moment I know at some point, some time I would fight him,” Costa said. “Especially after that beef in the UFC PI that we had. The moment is now, the time is right now. Let’s go, let’s go. I’m so excited for this fight.”
Costa was then asked if this is the most personal he’s gotten with an opponent before a fight. The Brazilian bruiser did admit his beef with current UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya is high on the list. With that said, he wants to put his hands on Chimaev and score a spectacular finish.
“I think against Adesanya, it’s kind of a very personal fight, but yes, I hate that dude,” Costa said. “So, I’m training just to make him suffer. Not only beat him, but I want to do that in great style and put all my skills and all my concentration, focus to be better than ever physically, mentally, technically, all parts together to help me perform better than ever. I know Abu Dhabi will be his house, but I don’t care. I’m going there to take over.”
If Costa can defeat Chimaev on fight night, he’ll become the first fighter to do so. Chimaev enters the bout with a record of 12-0. This will be his first bout since September 2022, so it’ll be interesting to see if his timing and rhythm will be in sync.
