Paulo Costa Says Khamzat Chimaev Fight Is Not Happening
Paulo Costa has cooled down talk of a long-awaited fight with Khamzat Chimaev, saying the matchup is not going to happen while making it clear he still wants to stay active.
According to Costa’s latest comments, the Brazilian wants to fight in July or August and is open to competing at middleweight, light heavyweight, or even heavyweight. That is classic Costa: unpredictable, bold, and willing to keep his name in the middle of multiple divisions.
For fans, it is another twist in a rivalry that has been discussed for years but still has not produced an actual fight.
Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev Looks Unlikely Again
Costa and Chimaev have been linked before. They were scheduled to fight at UFC 294, but Costa was pulled from the bout after medical issues, and Kamaru Usman stepped in to face Chimaev instead. MMA Fighting reported at the time that Costa was unable to compete after undergoing elbow surgery, with doctors not clearing him for the fight.
Since then, the rivalry has never really disappeared. Both men have traded words, fans have pushed for the matchup, and the UFC middleweight picture has kept their names close enough for speculation.
But Costa now sounds ready to move on.
That does not mean he is done chasing big fights. It simply means he may no longer see Chimaev as the realistic next step.
Costa Wants to Fight Soon
The most important part of Costa’s update is not only that Chimaev is off the table. It is that Costa wants to return quickly.
A July or August timeline suggests he does not want to sit around waiting for one specific opponent. That matters because Costa’s career has often been slowed by injuries, delays, and canceled matchups.
If he is healthy and ready, the UFC has options.
At middleweight, Costa remains a recognizable name with fan-friendly striking and a big personality. At light heavyweight, he could chase fresh matchups against bigger opponents. And while heavyweight sounds ambitious, Costa mentioning it shows he is thinking more like an attraction than a traditional contender tied to one division.
Why Multiple Weight Classes Make Sense for Costa
Costa has always been a big middleweight. His move toward light heavyweight has made sense because it allows him to avoid draining weight cuts and fight with more physical strength.
MMA Fighting previously noted that Costa had been successful after moving to 205 pounds and was open to either returning to middleweight or staying at light heavyweight depending on the opportunity.
That flexibility could help him.
Instead of waiting for rankings politics at 185 pounds, Costa can chase the most exciting fight available. That could be a former champion, a rising contender, or a fun striker who gives fans action.
For Costa, activity may be more important than chasing one name.
Chimaev Rivalry May Be Losing Momentum
The Costa-Chimaev rivalry had real heat because of their past tension and public callouts. Sherdog reported that Costa fired shots at Chimaev after UFC 328 and was ready to welcome him at light heavyweight if Chimaev moved up.
But rivalries only stay hot if both sides keep moving toward the same fight.
Right now, Costa sounds like he wants a different path. If Chimaev has other plans or the UFC is not pushing the matchup, Costa waiting around would not make much sense.
That is the reality of MMA matchmaking. Some fights feel obvious for years and still never happen.
What Could Be Next?
Costa’s next opponent will depend on what division the UFC wants him in.
At middleweight, he could be matched with another ranked name to keep him close to the title picture. At light heavyweight, he could be used in a fan-friendly clash against a power puncher or a top-15 test. At heavyweight, it would likely be more of a special attraction than a serious divisional move.
Whatever happens, Costa’s name still carries attention. He talks, he sells fights, and when he is aggressive, he is entertaining to watch.
Final Thoughts
Paulo Costa saying the Khamzat Chimaev fight is not happening may disappoint fans who still wanted to see that rivalry settled inside the Octagon.
But it may also be the right move.
Costa does not sound interested in waiting for a matchup that keeps slipping away. He wants to fight in July or August, and he is willing to do it at middleweight, light heavyweight, or even heavyweight.
That makes his next step unpredictable — but with Paulo Costa, that is usually part of the show.
