In the high-stakes world of professional mixed martial arts, rivalries often ignite within the confines of the octagon, forged in the crucible of combat. However, some feuds take a more unconventional path, spilling over into the digital realm before ever reaching the canvas. Such is the escalating personal animosity between UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa and the undefeated phenomenon, Khamzat Chimaev.
This isn`t just about rankings or title aspirations; it`s a deeply personal vendetta, rooted, as Costa alleges, in unsolicited digital communications – a peculiar prelude to pugilism.
The Unconventional Battleground: DMs and Dishonor
The genesis of this intensely personal conflict, according to Paulo Costa, lies not in a pre-fight staredown or a heated press conference, but in the alleged intrusion of Khamzat Chimaev into the direct messages (DMs) of Costa`s girlfriend. Costa vehemently describes these communications as “dirty things,” including advice for her to “look for a better man.” For Costa, this transgression transcends professional competitiveness, transforming it into a matter of honor and personal disrespect.
“Why he message her? Why he didn’t message me instead of her? Coward,” Costa stated, articulating the depth of his indignation. This digital affront has clearly inflamed a pre-existing tension, turning an anticipated divisional clash into a deeply emotional pursuit for “Borrachinha.”
A Fight Deferred: The Road to Redemption
The highly anticipated clash between Costa and Chimaev was originally slated for UFC 294 in October 2023. However, fate, or perhaps a severe elbow infection, intervened, forcing Costa out of the bout. This cancellation only served to prolong the brewing animosity, leaving a lingering sense of unfinished business that has now boiled over into outright animosity fueled by the alleged personal slight.
Currently, Paulo Costa finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. With a challenging record of 1-4 in his last five outings, the pressure is immense. His upcoming co-main event bout against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in New Orleans is not merely another fight; it`s a vital prerequisite. Costa understands that to earn the microphone time necessary to issue a truly impactful callout, victory is not just desired, but absolutely imperative.
“I`m pretty sure I`m going to get the victory and I`m going to call his name, it doesn`t matter whether he wins or not. This fight just will not happen if he retires,” Costa declared, making his intentions unequivocally clear.
Chimaev`s Trajectory and Costa`s Skepticism
Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev continues his meteoric ascent through the UFC ranks. With an unblemished professional record of 14-0, including eight dominant performances in the UFC, Chimaev is poised for a middleweight title challenge against champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. This is precisely the stage Costa desires to share with him, regardless of the championship outcome.
Despite Chimaev`s impressive unbeaten streak, Costa remains notably unimpressed, particularly concerning his opponent`s purported stamina. While not committing to a prediction for the UFC 319 main event, Costa articulated a strategic doubt: “I think Dricus is more solid. He can resist the very first rush from Chimaev, ‘Gourmet Chen Chen,’ and then we never know after the third round how Chimaev can maintain, sustain his energy. I think this is my question.” The affectionate moniker “Gourmet Chen Chen” perhaps hints at a perceived lack of the brutal, sustained grind necessary for championship rounds, a subtle jab hidden in plain sight.
The combat sports landscape thrives on compelling narratives, and few are as potent as a deeply personal grudge. Paulo Costa`s declared intent to “hurt” Khamzat Chimaev, driven by an alleged breach of personal boundaries, adds a raw, emotional layer to an already high-stakes potential matchup. For Costa, the path to redemption, and to confronting his digital adversary, must first pass through Roman Kopylov. Should he succeed, the middleweight division may witness one of its most emotionally charged battles, a testament to the fact that in the UFC, sometimes the biggest fights begin not with a glove touch, but with a problematic DM.
Marcus Blakely