Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In one of the matchups on the fight card, Paulo “The Eraser” Costa will take on Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev in the Middleweight Bout. You can view the full UFC 294 card.

Costa brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 72″ reach. In contrast, Chimaev, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 75″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 60% striking accuracy, Costa has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 6.5 per minute. On the other hand, Chimaev boasts a 59% striking accuracy, landing approximately 7.3 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 34-year-old, Paulo Costa is coming in with a 14-2-0 record. Costa will be fighting for the first time since a win via unanimous decision against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards in August.

Chimaev, meanwhile, is coming off a submission win against Kevin Holland on August 20, 2022, at UFC 279: Diaz vs. Ferguson and holds a 12-0-0 record.

Paulo Costa has a orthodox fighting stance with an 72″ reach. The 31-year-old Khamzat Chimaev is an orthodox fighter with a 75″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Paulo Costa stats

→ Costa’s striking accuracy is 60%.
→ Costa lands 6.5 significant strikes per minute.
→ Costa’s takedown accuracy is 75%.
→ Costa’s takedown average is 0.53 per 15 minutes.
→ Costa’s takedown defense is 79%.

Costa comes in with 60% striking accuracy, typically landing about 6.5 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Chimaev fires at 59% accuracy, landing about 7.3 significant strikes per minute. Paulo Costa also has a 75% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 0.53 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Chimaev’s 3.98 takedowns and 100% takedown accuracy.

Khamzat Chimaev stats

→ Chimaev’s striking accuracy is 59%.
→ Chimaev lands 7.3 significant strikes per minute.
→ Chimaev’s takedown accuracy is 57%.
→ Chimaev’s takedown average is 3.98 per 15 minutes.
→ Chimaev’s takedown defense is 100%.

Khamzat spent, on average, 5:01 minutes in the Octagon, and Paulo has an average fight time of 10:40 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be a good clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Paulo or Khamzat? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 294 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.