Paulo Costa wasted no time lobbying for a Khamzat Chimaev fight after UFC 328.
Once scheduled to fight at UFC 294 in October 2023 before Costa (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) withdrew due to an elbow infection, the Brazilian is pushing to get a piece of Chimaev next – potentially for the now former middleweight champion’s debut at light heavyweight.
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Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) saw his 185-pound title reign ended on Saturday with a split decision defeat to Sean Strickland. UFC CEO Dana White said “The Wolf” informed him of plans to move up to 205 pounds next, which is the division where Costa just made his debut with a UFC 327 finish of Azamat Murzakanov in April.
The stars are potentially aligning, now, and it’s clear Costa wants it bad (via X):
With new light heavyweight champ Carlos Ulberg sidelined due to an ACL tear sustained in his UFC 327 knockout of Jiri Prochazka, the division is wide open at this point. UFC boss White said no decisions have been made about what comes next, but admitted Chimaev is an “exciting” addition despite his defeat to Strickland.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Paulo Costa calls for Khamzat Chimaev fight ‘ASAP’ after UFC 328
