As anticipation builds for UFC 318, where former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa is set to face Roman Kopylov, the Brazilian fighter is already setting his sights on a much larger target for a potentially unprecedented stage. Costa has publicly expressed keen interest in competing at the rumored UFC event slated for The White House next year, and he has a very specific opponent in mind: Khamzat Chimaev.
Speculation surrounding a UFC event at the presidential residence gained traction following comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump and subsequent confirmation from UFC CEO Dana White regarding plans for a show during Fourth of July weekend. This unique venue has sparked widespread interest among top fighters, and Costa is now adding his name to the list, aiming for a marquee matchup against a long-standing rival.
Costa`s desire to face Chimaev is rooted in a history of animosity and unresolved tension. The two were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 294, but the bout was cancelled after Costa was forced to withdraw due to injury. Chimaev went on to defeat Kamaru Usman on short notice. This cancellation only seemed to intensify the personal nature of their rivalry, which reportedly includes confrontations outside the octagon and verbal exchanges.
Speaking on his motivation for targeting Chimaev, Costa did not hold back, referencing their past interactions and accusing Chimaev of avoiding a fight for a considerable time. He indicated that the UFC had attempted to book the matchup previously without success. Costa also recounted an incident following his surgery where he alleges Chimaev sent personal messages to his girlfriend, characterizing this behavior as erratic and lacking respect. While the nature of such personal disputes is often complex, it clearly fuels Costa`s drive for this particular confrontation.
However, the path to a Costa vs. Chimaev clash, particularly at The White House, is fraught with variables. Firstly, Costa must secure a victory against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 to maintain his standing and momentum in the division. Secondly, Khamzat Chimaev has his own significant challenge ahead; he is scheduled to fight Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319. Should Chimaev capture the title, his future opponents would likely be dictated by title defenses rather than grudge matches. Adding another layer of uncertainty is a circulating rumor, referenced by fellow fighter Caio Borralho, suggesting Chimaev might consider retirement if he wins the middleweight belt.
Despite these potential obstacles, the prospect of a fight between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev remains highly intriguing for fight fans, not least because of their heated history. Hosting such a grudge match on the unprecedented stage of The White House would undoubtedly elevate its profile even further. For now, the possibility hinges on key outcomes in the immediate future, starting with Costa`s performance at UFC 318 and Chimaev`s championship bid at UFC 319. Should the stars align, this bitter rivalry could find its dramatic conclusion in a truly historic setting.
Rupert Hartwell