Paulo Costa warns Khamzat Chimaev move to 205 would be ‘tragic’

Paulo Costa wants Khamzat Chimaev to follow him to light heavyweight, but the Brazilian is warning the middleweight champion it won’t go well for him.

Costa, who stopped previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov in the third round at UFC 327 earlier this month, told Submission Radio he’s ready to welcome Chimaev to 205 pounds if the champion moves up after defending his belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9. “I wish he comes to 205,” Costa said, per MMA Fighting. “I’m gonna be here with my arms open, waiting for him.”

Costa Claims Full Power at Light Heavyweight

The Brazilian believes a bout at the heavier weight class would favor him even more than their long-discussed middleweight clash. “At 205, I’m a monster, you know?” Costa said. “I don’t need to burn any muscle. I don’t need to sacrifice any muscle for my body to make 185. At 205, I have full secret juice power. Yeah, that’s gonna be tragic for him. Tragic.”

Costa’s plans remain fluid. According to Sherdog, he’s open to moving between divisions and has volunteered to face Josh Hokit at the UFC White House event on June 14 if Derrick Lewis pulls out. He called light heavyweight “a good place to stay” and said his body would be “even more adapted” with another fight there.

Chimaev won the middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 last year and has indicated interest in moving up. Costa compared their potential rivalry to classic 205-pound feuds like Wanderlei Silva versus Rampage Jackson. “I think we need that,” he said. “In my mind, I’m gonna bring this right now.”

Costa and Chimaev have traded words for years without the fight materializing. Chimaev defends his belt in Newark in two weeks.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Paulo Costa: Fighting me at 205 would be ‘tragic’ for Khamzat Chimaev | MMA Fighting
• sherdog.com — Paulo Costa warns Khamzat Chimaev about moving to light heavyweight