Paulo Costa hates Khamzat Chimaev.
I’m undecided what transpired between “The Eraser” and “Borz” to elicit such a robust emotional response, aside from each fighters occupying actual property within the crowded middleweight title chase, however Costa desires to make use of that hatred to gasoline his efficiency towards Chimaev on the UFC 294 pay-per-view (PPV) occasion on Oct. 21 in Abu Dhabi.
“I hate that dude, I’m coaching to make him undergo,” Costa advised MMA Junkie. “Not solely to beat him, however I need to try this in nice type. I put all my expertise and all my focus, focus to be higher than ever. Bodily, mentally, technically. All elements collectively to assist me carry out higher than ever. I do know over there in Abu Dhabi it will likely be type of his home, however I don’t care. I’m going there to take over.”
Chimaev (12-0) has not competed since his first-round submission victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 279 final fall, a welterweight bout that resulted in catastrophe when “Borz” blew up the dimensions. It seems Chimaev will return to middleweight for the foreseeable future and will put himself in title competition with a robust displaying towards Costa.
The 14-2 Brazilian has additionally spent all of 2023 on the sidelines, having final seen motion at UFC 278. “The Eraser” took house a unanimous choice victory over former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and was anticipated to make his return towards Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291 in Salt Lake Metropolis. As an alternative, Aliskerov will be part of the UFC 294 lineup reverse No. 12-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.
“Truthfully, I don’t see any likelihood of him successful the combat,” Costa added. “This might be savage. This might be fireworks. This might be wild. I deliver my greatest. I might be there. I believe the winner of this combat goes to be the primary for the title shot. I believe the winner between me and Khamzat might be subsequent within the line for the title shot.”
For the present UFC 294 combat card and Abu Dhabi lineup click on right here.
