Following his triumphant return at UFC 318, middleweight standout Paulo Costa had a specific opponent in mind.
Paulo Costa, a former contender for the UFC middleweight title, secured his first victory in nearly three years at UFC 318. He overcame Roman Kopylov in a competitive, back-and-forth bout, earning a unanimous decision and ending his two-fight losing streak.
This marked Costa`s first successful outing since his win over former UFC champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. His previous appearance in the Octagon was at UFC 302, where he lost a split decision to Sean Strickland.
With his return to the middleweight title picture solidified, Costa`s post-fight focus after UFC 318 was squarely on one individual.
Khamzat Chimaev/Paulo Costa feud intensifies after UFC 318 callout
During the UFC 318 fight week, Costa had publicly accused the undefeated middleweight Khamzat Chimaev of sending threatening direct messages to his girlfriend. Costa claimed that Chimaev suggested to his girlfriend that she “should look for a better man” prior to their initially planned bout at UFC 294.
Chimaev had previously refuted Costa`s allegations on social media. However, following his win, Costa reiterated his accusations and vowed to relentlessly pursue a confrontation with Chimaev.
In his post-fight interview at UFC 318, Costa launched a scathing verbal attack on Chimaev.
“Everyone is aware of my animosity towards that individual, everyone knows that Chimaev,” Costa declared.
“He`s a complete jerk, and he sent direct messages to my wife, who is right here. This is unacceptable, a truly despicable act. He never messaged me directly because he`s a coward. Chimaev, I will prove to you that you are a coward. I am ready, I will seek you out, I will pursue you, and I will not rest until I face you!”
Chimaev swiftly reacted to Costa`s recent remarks.
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chimaev quickly issued his response to Costa`s provocative post-fight challenge.
Chimaev sarcastically replied, “It was actually she who wrote to me, habibi,” adding a laughing emoji.
Chimaev is scheduled to contend for the UFC middleweight championship against the reigning titleholder Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 next month. Undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, Chimaev secured this title opportunity by delivering a dominant finish against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October.
Paulo Costa receives high praise from Jon Jones following UFC 318 win
As Costa comfortably secured his decision victory at UFC 318, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was among the prominent figures leading fan accolades on social media. Jones lauded the UFC 318 victor, specifically commending Costa`s “freaking deadly” leg kicks.
Last month, Jones had announced his retirement from MMA following extensive contract negotiations with UFC officials regarding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall. However, he has since altered his position, now aiming for an Octagon comeback at the UFC`s projected event at The White House next year.
Jones has re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, indicating a serious intent for a return in 2026. His last fight was a successful heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
