TLDR
- Paulo Costa says his fight with Khamzat Chimaev won’t happen, calling Chimaev ‘mentally broke’ after losing his title
- Costa wants to return in July or August and is willing to fight at middleweight, light heavyweight, or heavyweight
- The Brazilian named three potential opponents: Josh Hokit, Mike Perry, and Sean Strickland
- Costa recently moved to light heavyweight and defeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327
- Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 and is seeking a rematch
Sources: lowkickmma.com | sports.yahoo.com
Paulo Costa has declared his long-awaited fight with Khamzat Chimaev is off. The Brazilian fighter says he believes Chimaev is mentally broken after losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 earlier this month.
Costa made the comments in a recent video where he outlined his plans for a summer return to the octagon. “I know many of you guys want me to face gourmet Chechen Chimaev next,” Costa said. “I don’t think it’s going to happen. Why? Because he’s broke, I think he’s done.”
The 35-year-old Brazilian said he doesn’t expect Chimaev to return to competition this year. “Even if he can grow up and be back, this will not be this year,” Costa stated. “Mental strength is not one of his qualities. He has a lot of problems to solve.”
Costa recently moved up to light heavyweight and defeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327. The victory marked his second consecutive win after he also beat Roman Kopylov. Costa’s record now stands at 16-4.
‼️Paulo Costa says fight with Khamzat Chimaev is NOT going to happen
He said he wants to fight in August-July
Open to fight at Middleweight, Light Heavyweight or even heavyweight
via @BorrachinhaMMA pic.twitter.com/XoGfrJurN0
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 23, 2026
Three Potential Opponents Named
Costa has identified three fighters he would be willing to face next. He named Josh Hokit at heavyweight, Mike Perry at bare knuckle or MMA, and Sean Strickland at middleweight as his preferred options.
“I want to fight as soon as possible,” Costa said. “I think August is an amazing date. Even July.”
The former middleweight title challenger said he is open to competing in multiple weight classes. Costa stated he could fight at middleweight, light heavyweight, or even heavyweight for his next bout.
Costa has been trading insults with Hokit since both fighters competed at UFC 327 last month. Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes by decision and earned double bonuses. Costa accused Hokit of robbing him of his bonus money after stopping Murzakanov on the same card.
History Between Costa and Chimaev
Costa and Chimaev have been rivals for years without ever fighting. Costa had his crosshairs on Chimaev even before moving up to 205 pounds. The matchup appeared likely after Chimaev won the middleweight title.
However, Chimaev lost the belt to Strickland in an upset at UFC 328. Chimaev had planned to move up to light heavyweight if he successfully defended his title. Instead, the Chechen-born Emirati fighter is now focused on getting a rematch with Strickland.
Costa initially called for a fight with Chimaev immediately after the title loss. But he has since changed his mind about pursuing the matchup.
Strickland is one of Costa’s three named opponents. Costa lost a decision to Strickland in 2024 before bouncing back with his current two-fight winning streak.
Mike Perry is Costa’s third option after Perry delivered a brutal beatdown of Nate Diaz on a recent MVP MMA card. Costa said fans should choose which opponent they want to see him fight next.
