There was no mistaking Paulo Costa’s message on the UFC 318 pre-fight press convention: he needs Khamzat Chimaev within the Octagon, and he needs him badly. The Brazilian middleweight contender, identified for his relentless strategy and knockout energy, didn’t maintain again as he addressed reporters and made it abundantly clear that his quest to face Chimaev is fueled by extra than simply aggressive ambition.
With a number of of his current bouts slipping by means of his fingers by shut margins, together with powerful choices in opposition to Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, Costa sounded extra decided than ever to proper the ship and settle a private rating.
Paulo Costa Desires Khamzat Chimaev
“I wish to struggle Khamzat Chimaev very badly. I wish to harm him. Doesn’t matter if he wins that struggle or not – we have to struggle. He talked very unhealthy issues about me, in my woman’s Instagram DMs. That is completely private. I really feel indignant simply to listen to his identify,” Costa revealed, forward of UFC 318.
Tamara Alves
It wasn’t simply Khamzat Chimaev’s fast stand up the UFC ranks that had Costa riled. The supply of his frustration got here from social media, of all locations. Costa detailed messages despatched by Chimaev to his associate, Tamara Alves, which Costa feels cross a line that separates skilled gamesmanship from private disrespect.
“He despatched filth issues, . Like, ‘Your man is- it is best to search for a greater man,’ one thing like that. This isn’t what an actual man, a assured man, would do. Why did he message her, and never me? Coward. He’s a coward,” Costa fired, pushing for a matchup that, in his phrases, is now much less about rankings and extra about rectitude.
Khamzat Chimaev, for his half, has constructed a status on taking up all comers. Since getting into the UFC, he’s bulldozed by means of opponents throughout divisions, displaying wrestling and floor abilities which have left many seasoned fighters stumped. His present trajectory has him lined up for a title shot in opposition to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, however Costa doesn’t appear excited about ready for rankings or belts to catch as much as his motivations. Judging by Costa’s feedback, the grudge has spilled from aggressive pressure into one thing that borders on vendetta.
Regardless of all that, Costa was cautious to acknowledge these in his nook – particularly his associate Tamara, whose assist he credit with preserving his focus sharp all through the current storm of high-stakes fights. “It’s vital to have individuals you belief in your facet. Tamara is a superb particular person. She at all times tries to tug me up, remind me of who I’m and what I can do. She sees me daily within the gymnasium – she deserves loads of credit score for my work,” Costa famous.
A Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev bout has all of the makings of a summer time blockbuster. Whether or not it’s sanctioned beef or simply good enterprise, Costa has made his intentions as plain as potential. By the sound of issues, the UFC may have a tough time denying these two a stage, and followers know sparks are certain to fly if — or when — it lastly occurs.
