In recent weeks and months, it appeared that welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev was on a collision course with former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa.
Following a near-physical altercation during UFC 279 fight week last September, the pair have consistently gone back and forth on social media and in interviews, sparking talk of a clash inside the Octagon.
But while reports had the pair lined up for a showdown at the planned Abu Dhabi-held card in October, Costa recently had a different fight announced during the latest round of live-video fight announcements from Dana White.
“Borrachinha,” who currently occupies #5 on the 185-pound ladder, will return to face unranked prospect Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291, set for Salt Lake City on July 29.
Chimaev Dismisses Costa’s Wins, Predicts Defeat At UFC 291
Aliskerov, a Combat Sambo World Champion, only debuted in the Octagon at UFC 288 earlier this month. The Brave Combat Federation veteran made a splash in his first appearance, knocking out Phil Hawes in brutal fashion.
The win extended the Dagestan’s record to 14-1, with his sole career defeat coming to Chimaev in 2019. And having shared the cage with and gotten the better of Aliskerov, “Borz” believes he has what it takes to beat Costa come fight night in Utah.
“Paulo has like, spoken a lot of sh*t about me. That guy, I want to smash him. I want to kill this guy,” Chimaev said in a YouTube video. “I was doing a lot of things and he wants to fight with the other guy. The guy, I fought him a long time before. Three or four years ago, before UFC. I win against the guy.
“I think the guy will beat him (Costa) as well. Paulo is not good. He’s sh*t, bro. He just talks too much,” Chimaev continued. “He beat nobody. A close fight against Romero, only fighter he wins against. Other people, I don’t know. Nobody knows these guys. I don’t know who he beat.”
With talk of Chimaev boasting a future at 185 pounds following his sizable weight miss last year, it stands to reason that the winner of Costa vs. Aliskerov could pursue a clash with the Chechen-born Swede down the line.
While the Brazilian may want to settle his verbal feud with “Borz” in the cage, the Dagestani will no doubt look to avenge the sole loss of his professional mixed martial arts career.
Breaking news 😉
I told you guys,we are coming to TOP10 after this fight inshaalla 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/Bez0zDE0FN
— ikram_aliskerov (@ikram_aliskerov) May 16, 2023
Read Also: Khamzat Chimaev Dismisses ‘Nobody’ Colby Covington’s Title Credentials: ‘Maybe They Give That Chance To Him Because He’s From USA’
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