Paulo Costa wasted no time setting his sights on Khamzat Chimaev after a statement victory in his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327.
Costa moved up to 205 pounds and handed previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov a third-round knockout loss, then laid out his plans for both divisions. He said he hopes to face a UFC champion next, but is also willing to return to middleweight for Chimaev or welcome the middleweight titleholder to light heavyweight.
“I wish he comes to 205,” Costa said. “I’m gonna be here with my arms open, waiting for him.” He added, “Oh man, this is going to be even worse for him,” and continued, “On 205, I’m a monster, you know? I don’t need to burn any muscle. I don’t need to sacrifice any muscle for my body to make 185. At 205, I have full secret juice power. Yeah, that’s gonna be tragic for him. Tragic.”
Chimaev is scheduled to defend his middleweight belt against Sean Strickland on May 9 at UFC 328. Costa compared their brewing rivalry to past 205-pound clashes and said, “I think we need that,” calling himself “the new blood to this [division].”
Costa also indicated he’s ready on short notice for the UFC’s June 14 White House event, volunteering to face Josh Hokit if Derrick Lewis withdraws.
