Paulo Costa hints at possible comeback date weeks after Khamzat Chimaev bout cancellation

Paulo Costa, one of the controversial figures in the UFC, recently tweeted about a potential return inside the octagon. Costa was the original opponent for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. However, a staph infection ruled him out of the event, and he was replaced by former long-reigning welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.

Dana White, in the pre-fight press conference of UFC 294, confirmed that Costa would be fit to fight very soon. Now, a recent tweet by the Brazilian points to a quick return to the octagon in the beginning of 2024.

Paulo Costa hints at possible return date

Paulo Costa last fought at UFC 278 against former UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold in a fight that earned the Fight of the Night bonus. The fight against Rockhold was Costa’s first victory after consecutive losses to Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori. Before his fight with Adesanya, Costa was undefeated in his professional career.

Costa was presumed to fight Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294 in a fight that was billed as a number-one contender fight. Unfortunately for Costa, he contracted a staph infection and was replaced by Kamaru Usman, who went on to lose the fight via majority decision. Costa was in the audience at the event and even fought with fans in the audience.

Even though Chimaev was promised a title shot, the UFC booked a title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis to headline UFC 297 in Vancouver on January 20, 2024. Recently, Costa tweeted, “Jan 20 🤜🔥🤛”, hinting at his return to the octagon. However, there has not been any official confirmation from the UFC.

Robert Whitaker, Marvin Vettori, Brendan Allen, and Khamzat Chimaev are the only fighters in the top 10 of the middleweight rankings without a fight scheduled. Allen fought recently and defeated Paul Craig via rear naked choke submission. Moreover, Khamzat Chimaev is nursing his ligament injury leaving Whitaker as the only fighter available for Costa to fight.

Paulo Costa shows off training regime

In addition to announcing his octagon return, Paulo Costa posted a training video of himself engaging in shadow sparring. Apparently, the moves resembled that of Capoeira, the Brazilian war dance. In the video, Costa was shown throwing a wide variety of kicks.

His fight with Yoel Romero was one of the pulsating fights in the UFC, with many, including UFC commentator Joe Rogan, comparing the physiques of Romero and Costa to that of Greek godlike figures. It needs to be noted that Costa began his career as a bodybuilder.

Costa’s physique was subjected to speculations from USADA, and he was one of the most tested athletes by the organization. Moreover, he even started an energy drink branded as ‘Secret Juice’. Nevertheless, Costa’s new training video showcases his impeccable physique.

Costa has never been caught for any anti-doping violation in his UFC career. However, he has been the subject of doubt by many in the MMA community, including UFC fighters, regarding doping.

Who do you think will Paulo Costa fight next? Leave your comment below!