Paulo Costa Eyes Khamzat Chimaev Showdown Across Two UFC Divisions

UFC contender Paulo Costa, currently making a move to the light heavyweight division, continues to keep his focus squarely on reigning UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. The animosity between the two fighters is well-documented, with "The Eraser" openly expressing his eagerness to confront "Borz" inside the octagon to settle their long-standing feud.

In a recent interview, Costa playfully discussed the upcoming launch of his "Secret Juice" supplement, which he plans to release after his next fight. When asked if his arch-rival Chimaev would be suitable for his mysterious concoction, Costa retorted with a dismissive tone:

"I don't think so. I think he is looking fatty. Fat a*s. This guy does not deserve secret juice. Secret juice is for nice people. He is not nice."

Costa is scheduled to face the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov on April 11 at UFC 327. Following what he anticipates will be a dominant victory against Murzakanov, Costa is prepared to challenge Chimaev.

Paulo Costa Open to Fighting Khamzat Chimaev at Both 185 and 205 Pounds

During the same discussion, Paulo Costa reiterated that a significant win at UFC 327 could open doors for a potential return to middleweight to face Khamzat Chimaev, or he could wait for Chimaev to ascend to the light heavyweight division. He affirmed his readiness for a clash in either weight class:

"I've always made it public that I want to fight him [Khamzat Chimaev]. It's about the UFC. If the UFC wants to make that fight one day, I'm ready. He's a champion right now. I think after a good victory against Azamat on April 11, I can come back at middleweight to be in line to fight him, or I can wait for him at 205. I can fight him in both divisions. I think I'm going to enjoy 205, but I'm not closed to 185."

The 34-year-old Brazilian emphasized his belief that he poses the biggest challenge for Chimaev:

"I think the worst match for Chimaev is me... This needs to happen [Costa vs. Chimaev]. He is my goal. I am sick of him. I hope very soon we can fight."

Meanwhile, Chimaev, who claimed the UFC middleweight championship last year, is expected to make his first title defense post-Ramadan, with Nassourdine Imavov or Sean Strickland being likely opponents. The Chechen-born Emirati fighter has also expressed intentions to defend his 185-pound title once before moving up to light heavyweight in pursuit of two-division glory.