As UFC 294 draws nearer, the anticipation for the highly awaited middleweight title clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa is reaching momentum. Chimaev, an undefeated fighter who holds the fourth rank in the welterweight division, has issued a stern warning to Costa, a former middleweight title challenger.
This warning has established the groundwork for a potentially intense showdown in Abu Dhabi at UFC 294, which is headlined by Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. The middleweight bout featuring Costa and Chimaev serves as the co-main event.
Khamzat Chimaev warns Paulo Costa before UFC 294 bout
Khamzat Chimaev returned to the Octagon after a year of inactivity at UFC 279 and secured a victory over Kevin Holland with a D’Arce choke. His opponent, Paolo Costa, known for his vocal demeanor, last fought at UFC 278 where he earned a unanimous decision win over former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.
In the lead-up to their bout, Chimaev posted on X (formerly Twitter) issuing a stern message, “There will be no jokes, it will be real!”. He conveyed this message authoritatively by showing his formidable physique, notably his muscular back. Chimaev’s warning adds extra intensity to a bout that has already captured significant attention in the MMA community.
Prior to defeating Holland, Chimaev defeated Gilbert Burns in April 2022, winning the fight of the night bonus. The UFC 294 clash against Costa marks Chimaev’s return to the middleweight limit since his 2020 debut fight against John Phillips.
Costa, on the other hand, was undefeated until he challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight strap at UFC 253. It was followed by a loss to Marvin Vettori at light heavyweight weight class in a fight night headliner. The bout was initially slated to be at middleweight, but Costa was unable to make the weight, and the promotion had no other fights worthy to make a headliner.
UFC community reacts to Khamzat Chimaev’s Paulo Costa warning
The recent post of Khamzat Chimaev issuing a stern warning to Paulo Costa has found the support of the UFC community. The comments beneath the X post were overwhelmingly supportive of the Chechen-born Swedish national. Costa who has made a name for himself as an internet troll also garnered support from the fans.
This fight will determine the future of the MW division 🥊
— Slip N’Roll (@SlipnRoll) October 1, 2023
One comment beneath the post said that the fight would determine the future of the middleweight division. The division has had a new life with the upset victory of Sean Strickland over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Strickland and Chimaev have trained with each other at Extreme Couture.
When the clown 🤡 meets the 🐺, things will be real no more circus .
— the one (@humbledbypeace) October 1, 2023
Another comment indicated that the clown in Costa would be fighting against the wolf in Chimaev. The comment was directed at Costa being an internet troll and Chimaev being a ruthless fighter like a wolf. However, Costa is no clown as he has beaten the likes of Yoel Romero, Luke Rockhold, and Johny Hendricks in his UFC tenure.
Did you finally get all the roids out of your system?
— Soggywashedbiscuits (@Biscuitsbubble) October 1, 2023
Furthermore, a comment on the post hinted that Chimaev is using performance-enhancing drugs while it was Costa who was initially suspected of alleged steroid use. The Brazilian even made it a joke by introducing his brand of energy drink named, “Secret Juice”.
Who do you think will win in the co-main event of UFC 294?Paulo Costa? Khamzat Chimaev?Comment below!
