Paulo Costa was not impressed by Khamzat Chimaev‘s performance against Kamaru Usman, stating that Chimaev showed weaknesses and immaturity in his fighting style, and suggesting that Chimaev is not ready for big fights or the hype surrounding him is just from younger, less experienced fans.
Paulo Costa expressed his lack of admiration for Khamzat Chimaev’s performance in their scheduled bout at UFC 294. Unfortunately, Costa had to withdraw due to a severe staph infection, allowing former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman to step in and face Chimaev. While Chimaev emerged victorious, Costa criticized him for only managing to defeat a welterweight on short notice. Costa believes this fight exposed Chimaev and diminished the hype surrounding him.
According to Costa, Chimaev’s supporters are primarily younger fans who view him as a representation of their own weaknesses. Costa argues that while Chimaev may have potential, he is not yet ready for big fights and super fights. He believes that with a full camp, Usman would dominate Chimaev. Costa expressed his belief that the fight against Usman made Chimaev appear smaller and claims that his previous match against Gilbert Burns indicated the same.
Costa questioned the legitimacy of Chimaev’s accomplishments, emphasizing that he has yet to face a top middleweight. He speculated that UFC President Dana White’s announcement of the winner fighting for the title was merely a strategy to generate hype and maintain high expectations. However, Costa acknowledges White’s expertise in managing the business and the division, expressing confidence in his ability to book a fight between himself and Chimaev.
Despite his initial eagerness to face Chimaev, Costa admitted to being less interested after watching his performance against Usman. He criticized Chimaev for showing immaturity and making beginner mistakes, suggesting that rushing in the first round led to his eventual exhaustion. Costa pointed out that if the fight had more rounds, Usman would have likely finished him. Nevertheless, Costa remains open to fighting Chimaev or other contenders such as Robert Whittaker, Dricus du Plessis, or Jared Cannonier.
Costa, who is still recovering from his staph infection, expects to resume training soon and aims to fight in December. He accuses Chimaev of avoiding the fight throughout the year, claiming that the UFC had planned the matchup since January. According to Costa, Chimaev’s team never wanted to face him, and it was only pressure from the UFC that eventually led to their acceptance. Costa’s message to Chimaev is simple: don’t be afraid and let’s fight. He perceives Chimaev as an insecure man who puts on a facade of fearlessness but is, in reality, soft.
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