Paulo Costa says he is officially moving on from chasing a long-discussed clash with Khamzat Chimaev and is now focused on a range of new opponents across multiple weight classes.
Costa and Chimaev were previously scheduled to fight at UFC 294 in October 2023, but Costa withdrew due to injury. Since then, Costa has put together back-to-back wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov and now doubts Chimaev will return to competition this year.
"I know many of you guys want to have me facing 'Gourmet Chen Chen Chimaev' a.k.a. 'Gourmet Chen Chen' next," Costa said, before dismissing the matchup. "I don't think this is going to happen. Why? Because he's broke. I think he's done. I don't think he will be back. And even if he can regrow and be back, this will not be this year."
Costa made it clear he wants a quick turnaround, eyeing dates as soon as mid-year and remaining open to middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight options. "So, let's move on. I have a bunch of fights, great fights, great matches to do. I want to fight as soon as possible. I think August is an amazing date, even July. So, let's move on. I can fight middleweight, light heavyweight, even heavyweight, OK? We have a great host and let's move."
Looking ahead, Costa specifically named Josh Hokit at heavyweight, Sean Strickland at middleweight, and Mike Perry as potential future opponents.
