Paulo Costa says there’s nothing manufactured about his rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev coming into UFC 294.
Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is ready to return to the octagon and formally welcome Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) to the highest of the middleweight division after they meet in a key matchup on the Oct. 21 combat card, which takes place at Etihad Enviornment in Abu Dhabi.
The matchup has been brewing for practically a 12 months, after the pair had a run-in on the UFC Efficiency Institute in Las Vegas previous to Chimaev’s UFC 279 victory over Kevin Holland.
Though Costa, 32, likes to joke round and be lighthearted at occasions, he stated the combat with Chimaev, 29, isn’t any joking matter, and the “beef” is legit.
“100% (actual),” Costa advised MMA Junkie in an interview facilitated by his sponsors at OnlyFans. “I believe in opposition to Adesanya it was a really private combat, however I hate that dude. I’m coaching to make him endure. Not solely to beat him, however I wish to try this in nice type. I put all my abilities and all my focus, focus to be higher than ever. Bodily, mentally, technically. All elements collectively to assist me carry out higher than ever. I do know over there in Abu Dhabi it is going to be form of his home, however I don’t care. I’m going there to take over.”
Costa has already stated that Chimaev is a “dead man walking.” He clarified that he doesn’t really wish to kill his opponent, regardless of his dislike of him, however he definitely desires to inflict ache on the undefeated fighter from Chechnya.
“I don’t actually count on that he dies,” Costa stated. “It’s simply an expression, however actually, I don’t see any likelihood of him successful the combat. Actually. I’m being very trustworthy. This will probably be savage. This will probably be fireworks. This will probably be wild. I carry my greatest. I will probably be there.”
After struggling his solely profession losses in back-to-back fights in opposition to champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori, Brazil’s Costa bounced again final summer time with a thrilling win over former UFC and Strikeforce titleholder Luke Rockhold.
He’s been out of motion since then, however Costa not too long ago signed a brand new UFC contract and stated he’s able to make one other run towards the belt. In truth, he’s assured a win over Chimaev will safe him a second alternative at UFC gold.
“I believe the winner of this combat goes to be the primary for the title shot,” Costa stated. “I believe the winner between me and Khamzat will probably be subsequent within the line for the title shot.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 294.
Remember to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.
