Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland produced one of the most heated UFC press conferences in recent memory last Thursday ahead of UFC 328.
The pair repeatedly exchanged insults while security struggled to calm tensions on stage.
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During one exchange, Strickland claimed Paulo Costa once made Chimaev retreat following an altercation inside a gym.
Costa, who recently impressed Donald Trump with his latest appearance at UFC 327, backed Strickland’s version of events and soon saw another MMA figure do the same, as former UFC welterweight contender Jake Shields openly supported the narrative involving ‘Borz’ online.
Jake Shields backs Sean Strickland’s remarks about Khamzat Chimaev
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Shields responded directly to a post published by Costa on X while discussing the alleged confrontation involving Chimaev. His comments quickly gained attention among MMA fans already invested in the rivalry.
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“He [Khamzat] watched me and Paulo work out for 30 minutes,” Shields wrote. “Then, after the cameras and 10 people showed up, he acted like he wanted to fight.”
Those remarks echoed intensified discussion surrounding Chimaev’s rivalry with Costa and whether the pair could finally settle matters inside the cage.
Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev fight could finally happen
A future showdown between Costa and ‘Borz’ now appears more realistic, as Costa recently moved up to light heavyweight and defeated Azamat Murzakanov in impressive fashion.
Chimaev has also publicly stated his intention to test himself in the higher division. Therefore, this could finally create the right conditions for a long-awaited matchup.
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The current situation surrounding champion Carlos Ulberg may also help accelerate talks. Ulberg is sidelined with an ACL injury, leaving the division open for major contenders seeking marquee fights.
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