Exciting news for Paulo Costa fans as ‘Borrachinha’ makes a triumphant return at UFC 294! After the disappointing cancellation of his fight with Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291, questions were raised about his continued career in the UFC. Costa has been absent from the octagon for a considerable time, with his last fight dating back to UFC 278, where he showcased his dominance by defeating Luke Rockhold.
However, a recent tweet from Costa has sparked hope among his supporters, hinting at his much-awaited return. The Brazilian fighter has engaged in a war of words with the undefeated rising star, Khamzat Chimaev, exchanging verbal jabs over the past few months.
Both ‘Borz’ and ‘The Eraser’ have publicly called each other out, and it seems like the UFC is ready to grant their wish. Fans can expect an explosive showdown between these two warriors at UFC 294. Get ready for an epic clash!
Khamzat Chimaev rejects bout vs Paolo Costa
Reports have emerged that Paulo Costa will not be facing Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291 as originally planned. Taking to Twitter, Costa announced that he is opting out of that matchup and instead wants to go head-to-head with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
However, Chimaev responded on Twitter, asserting that he has a more formidable opponent in mind than Costa.
@buratinacostaso you are a bum now, I have a better opponent š¤£š¤£š¤£
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) July 18, 2023
Khamzat, with a record of 12-0, hasn’t fought since September when he secured a first-round submission victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 279. Prior to that, he triumphed over Gilbert Burns via decision at UFC 273.
Maintaining an unbeaten 6-0 record in the UFC, Chimaev has also emerged victorious against Li Jingliang and Gerald Meerschaert.
Dana White confirms Khamzat Chimaev vs Paolo Costa
The highly anticipated return of Khamzat Chimaev is finally here, as he gears up to face his most high-profile middleweight challenge yet. At UFC 294, Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) is scheduled to step back into the octagon for the first time since September 2022, and this time, he’ll be taking on Paulo Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), as confirmed by Dana White in a Wednesday announcement.
Abu Dhabi we're back and we're bringing a STACKED card with us!!@DanaWhite just announced the first three fights for #UFC294 in October š„
[ Tickets on sales this week | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/9mgcbIwbB8
— UFC (@ufc) July 20, 2023
The thrilling event is set to take place on October 21 at the prestigious Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Khamzat, 29, faced a hiccup in his last appearance when he missed weight against Nate Diaz. However, a swift submission win over Kevin Holland at UFC 279 helped retain some credibility.
Since his explosive entrance into the UFC spotlight in 2020, Khamzat has shown solid dominance against all opponents, except for Gilbert Burns, whom he still defeated in a spectacular unanimous decision bout.
Now, the stage is set for another thrilling clash as Chimaev looks to continue his impressive run in the middleweight division, facing off against the formidable Paulo Costa. UFC 294 will still feature Ikram Aliskerov as he takes on Nassourdine Imavov.
What are your thoughts regarding the fights taking place at UFC 294? Let us know in the comment section below.
