Famous UFC middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev, representing the UAE, spoke about a possible fight against Brazilian Paulo Costa.
Recall that Chimaev and Costa were supposed to fight on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, but Paulo withdrew from the fight due to health problems. Khamzat ended up fighting Kamaru Usman, whom he defeated by majority decision. He has 13 wins and no losses on his record.
In an interview with YouTube channel of ACA Vice President Aslanbek Badaev MMATIKAChimaev said:
I'll fight for the belt now, if they tell me to defend the title against him, of course I'll fight. But it's unlikely they'll give him that chance, he's already pulled out of the fight five times. I don't know what will happen to him next.
Costa last fought against Luke Rockhold in August 2022 at UFC 278. Paulo won that confrontation by unanimous decision of the judges. He has 14 wins and two losses on his record.