Paulo Costa: A Light Heavyweight Fight with Me Would End Badly for Khamzat Chimaev

Pulse Sports Team 08:29 - 27 April 2026

Paulo Costa made a significant impact in his light heavyweight debut, knocking out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in the third round at UFC 327 earlier this month. Now, he's setting his sights on a UFC champion for his next opponent.

The Brazilian hasn't ruled out a return to middleweight to face the division's king, Khamzat Chimaev, who is set to defend his belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9th. However, Costa would gladly welcome Chimaev to the 205-pound division if the Chechen fighter also decides to move up.

"I wish he would come to 205 pounds," Costa told Submission Radio. "I'll be here with open arms, waiting for him."

However, Costa warned his long-time rival that a fight in the heavier division would likely not end well for him.

"Oh man, it's going to be even worse for him," Costa stated. "At light heavyweight, I'm a monster, you know? I don't have to cut muscle. I don't have to sacrifice muscle mass to make 185 pounds. At 205 pounds, I have the full power of the secret juice. Yeah, it's going to be tragic for him. Tragic."

Costa's future remains undecided. While he states that light heavyweight is a "good place to stay" and his body would be "even more adapted" if his next fight is in that division, he's also open to returning to 185 pounds. Costa even suggested facing Josh Hockett at heavyweight for the UFC White House event on June 14th, should Derrick Lewis withdraw from the card.

For now, though, Chimaev remains his primary target. "Borrachinha" views their rivalry as a modern take on classic light heavyweight feuds, such as the one between Wanderlei Silva and Rampage Jackson.

"I think we need that," Costa said. "In my mind, I'm going to bring that now. I'm the new blood in this division. But Alex Pereira also did very well. He just needed someone, an opponent, but now he's at heavyweight."