Paulo Costa, a UFC middleweight, is scheduled to take on the undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294, set for October 21st.
The upcoming fight will be Chimaev’s comeback to the middleweight division, and it’s the first match for both fighters this year. Nonetheless, fans are worried about Paulo Costa’s condition due to recent images and videos he shared of his recovery from surgery and ongoing training. ‘Borrachinha’ disclosed that he had the surgery only three weeks ago and has been training hard despite the stitches, as he revealed in his recent social media posts. Despite this, with UFC 294 scheduled for October 21, Costa remains determined to go through with the fight, even if it means he’s not in top form.
Paulo Costa’s Surgery Raises Concerns About Fight with Khamzat Chimaev
Paulo Costa shares UFC 294 training videos following injury, where he’s seen using the injured arm, although not throwing with full power.
“How strong are u? U never really know until you get tested by fire 🔥 of life. I did surgery 3 weeks ago, 10 seams size,” Costa wrote. “But I know how tough I’m and continues improving and overcoming myself. It doesn’t stop me, still doing my things sparrings and everything.
“I still training hard every single day since day one of surgery. I’m built different,” he wrote
How strong are u? U never really know until you get tested by fire 🔥 of life.
I did surgery 3 weeks ago , 10 seams size . But I know how tough I’m and continues improving and overcoming myself. It doesn’t stop me, still doing my things sparrings and everything. I’m so blessing… pic.twitter.com/gbClA66K7l— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 9, 2023
Fans were surprised and worried about the fight’s status, and some questioned his choice to have surgery so close to the match.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
With that said, bet the house on Khamzat.
— Quan (@quan_eth) October 9, 2023
Wish you a speedy recovery.
With that said, bet the house on Khamzat.
— Quan (@quan_eth) October 9, 2023
Surgery a month before a fight?
— Logan (@LoganXFights) October 9, 2023
Why does Paulo Costa still want to fight Khamzat Chimaev while injured?
It isn’t just Chimaev who’s been inactive, Costa hasn’t fought since beating Luke Rockhold in August 2022. With a couple of fights falling through and over a year without receiving a fight purse, it wouldn’t be surprising if money plays a part in why Costa is determined to compete despite the injury.
What’s unusual in this situation is Costa revealing the surgery and injury ahead of time. It will be interesting to see if he eventually explains his reasons or if the fight even goes ahead at this point.
Costa, the former UFC title challenger, boasts a 14-2 record in his career. Chimaev, on the other hand, is 12-0 and aiming for a title shot of his own, which is allegedly being kept under wraps, with a win at UFC 294.
