Paulo Costa’s emphatic victory at UFC 318 reignited discussions about his standing in the middleweight division, but the ongoing Khamzat Chimaev UFC rivalry has complicated the path to a title shot. As tensions between Costa and Chimaev escalate, with personal issues now involved, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman voiced his opinion on whether Costa merits a title shot if Chimaev secures the 185-pound belt at UFC 319.
An Intensifying Rivalry Between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev
Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev’s feud has grown increasingly heated, extending beyond typical fight week jabs. Before his UFC 318 bout, Costa openly confronted Chimaev, accusing him of sending inappropriate messages to his girlfriend, escalating the rivalry to a personal level. In an aggressive statement following the fight, Costa declared:
Chimaev, I’m going to show you why you’re a coward. I’m here, I’m going to look for you, chase you, and I won’t stop until I get you!
—Paulo Costa, UFC Fighter
This public challenge has amplified the tension within the division, highlighting how personal disputes can affect professional rivalries in the UFC.
Kamaru Usman Questions Paulo Costa’s Readiness for a Title Opportunity
Despite Costa’s impressive performance against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, where he convincingly returned to form by silencing critics who had labeled him “washed,” Usman counseled caution regarding immediate title contention for Costa. Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman said:
I think Paulo Costa needs [a win] over somebody in that top 5. You know, Paulo Costa hasn’t fought Caio Borralho, hasn’t fought Nassourdine Imavov. So, I think he needs another win for the UFC to consider that.
—Kamaru Usman, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Usman’s perspective underscores the importance of Costa proving himself against higher-ranked opponents before earning another shot at the title. With Costa’s first victory since 2022 now secured, his path forward likely includes additional wins to solidify his position as a legitimate contender.
Debating the Boundaries of Trash Talk in MMA
The Costa-Chimaev dispute has revived longtime questions about the limits of fighter banter, especially when it involves personal relationships. Usman weighed in on this sensitive topic, highlighting the growing problem of trash talk crossing into private territory. He remarked:
Great Call out. I think this is the time where anything goes nowadays. We’re talking about wives, we’re talking about families, we’re talking about like, come on! At what point does this leave sport and become personal? Because once you start to get into something other than sports, then it becomes personal. Because sport, you can talk about how bad I suck with left kick or how slow my right hand… You can talk about those things. But, when you start to talk about people nothing to do with the sport, it is personal.
—Kamaru Usman, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Usman’s comments resonate in a sport where boundary-pushing fighters like Conor McGregor, Colby Covington, and Sean Strickland have all faced criticism for involving family members in their verbal spats. This has sparked divided opinions among MMA fans and fighters alike, with some believing anything goes inside and outside the cage, while others argue that family should remain off-limits.
Israel Adesanya’s Unexpected Praise for Paulo Costa
One of Costa’s former championship rivals, Israel Adesanya, publicly acknowledged Costa’s impressive showing at UFC 318 after initially predicting his defeat. The Last Stylebender had doubted Costa’s dedication but was evidently impressed by his technical execution and renewed focus. Adesanya expressed his views on his Freestylbender YouTube channel:
Costa is looking good, man. Costa is looking f—ing clean! Bro, he’s selecting them nice. That uppercut, right to the body as well. Good job, buddy. Finally!
—Israel Adesanya, UFC Middleweight Champion
Adesanya also mentioned interest in potentially giving Costa a rematch, which would add another compelling chapter to their rivalry. Both fighters now aim to climb back into the title conversation, making their next moves critical for their careers.
The Middleweight Landscape as Khamzat Chimaev Eyes the Title
The UFC 319 event will be pivotal, featuring Khamzat Chimaev against Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight championship. Should Chimaev emerge victorious, the dynamic of the division—and title shot considerations—will shift significantly. Costa’s claim for a title bout might become far more complex if Chimaev solidifies his reign.
Meanwhile, Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov are scheduled to face off at UFC Paris, setting up crucial contender-level fights that could impact rankings and future matchups involving Costa and Chimaev.
Implications of Off-Cage Conflicts on the Sport’s Integrity
The escalating personal clashes in the Khamzat Chimaev UFC rivalry reveal a broader issue about maintaining respect while competing fiercely. The line between competitive mental warfare and personal attacks is becoming increasingly blurred, forcing fighters, promotion officials, and fans to reconsider acceptable conduct in MMA.
The outcome of the Costa-Chimaev feud may influence how future disputes are managed, potentially prompting new norms or regulations around fighter interactions, particularly concerning private life intrusions. The debate on what constitutes fair play both inside and outside the cage remains unresolved as these high-profile conflicts unfold.
As Paulo Costa rebuilds momentum and Khamzat Chimaev pushes toward potential title glory, the next several months are likely to define the middleweight division’s future, with significant repercussions for rankings, matchmaking, and the sport’s cultural boundaries.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Khamzat Chimaev’s Wealth Exceeds $3 Million
As of now, Khamzat Chimaev’s wealth is valued at around $3 million. At 30 years old, he is considered quite wealthy and is well-known in Russia.
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev rich?
A. As of now, Khamzat Chimaev is believed to have a net worth of about $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very wealthy and a major celebrity in Russia. This mixed martial arts star has won all 14 of his professional matches, finishing 12 of them before the final bell.
Q. Who is better, Khamzat Chimaev or Khabib?
A. Chimaev would be the clear winner. While Khabib and Islam are excellent, the Chechen fighter is far more skilled, especially in grappling and wrestling. This often leads to less exciting matches.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. In December 2020, the 30-year-old caught Covid and has been struggling with ongoing symptoms. In the past four years, this person has only fought four times.