Paulo Costa Says He Does Not Expect Khamzat Chimaev Fight Next
Paulo Costa does not believe a fight with Khamzat Chimaev is next for him.
After Chimaev’s defeat to Sean Strickland, Costa gave a blunt reaction and said he thinks Chimaev may be in a difficult mental position right now. Because of that, Costa does not expect the UFC to book them against each other anytime soon.
“I think he’s broke already,” Costa said. “I think his mindset is very fragile. I think he’s on the lowest position.”
It was a harsh comment, but very on-brand for Costa, who has never been afraid to speak directly about opponents.
Costa Thinks Chimaev Needs Time
Costa’s point is not only about the loss itself. He believes the reaction after the defeat could be affecting Chimaev more than people realize.
Losing in MMA is difficult, especially for a fighter like Chimaev, who built his reputation on dominance, pressure, and confidence. When a fighter with that kind of aura loses, the criticism can become intense very quickly.
Costa mentioned how brutal the internet can be for fighters after a major setback.
“It’s not easy to handle all this criticism people about you,” Costa said. “The internet is a crazy place to be right now.”
From Costa’s view, Chimaev may need time away before returning to another high-pressure matchup.
Costa Does Not Expect the UFC to Make the Fight
Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev have been linked before, and fans have wanted to see that matchup for a long time.
The fight makes sense on paper because both men bring big personalities, physicality, and fan interest. Costa is a powerful striker with size and durability, while Chimaev is known for grappling pressure and intensity.
But Costa now seems doubtful that the UFC will go in that direction.
“I don’t think they’re going to put me to fight him next,” Costa said. “I don’t even know when he’ll be back or if he will be back.”
That line shows Costa believes the matchup has lost momentum, at least for now.
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Costa Wants an Interim Title Shot at 205
Instead of chasing Chimaev, Costa has his eyes on something bigger: an interim title opportunity at light heavyweight.
That is an interesting move because Costa has spent most of his career at middleweight, but his size and power always made a move to 205 feel possible. At light heavyweight, Costa would not have to deal with the same weight cut, and he could test himself against bigger opponents.
An interim title shot would be a major opportunity and a fast route into championship relevance in a new division.
For Costa, that may be a better path than waiting around for Chimaev.
Even though Costa does not expect the fight next, the rivalry is not dead.
Costa’s latest comments may actually add more tension. Calling Chimaev mentally fragile after a loss is the kind of statement that can easily create a response. If Chimaev returns strong, this matchup could become interesting again.
MMA rivalries often survive delays, canceled fights, and changing divisions. Costa vs Chimaev still has enough history and personality to become big if the UFC ever decides to revisit it.
But right now, Costa sounds more focused on his own move toward 205.
Final Thoughts
Paulo Costa believes Khamzat Chimaev may need time after his loss to Sean Strickland, and he does not expect to fight him next.
Instead, Costa is looking toward the light heavyweight division and wants an interim title shot. That shows he is thinking bigger than one rivalry.
Chimaev may still be a future option, but Costa is making one thing clear: he is not waiting around.
For now, Borrachinha wants gold — and he wants it at 205.
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