Despite not winning a performance bonus for his victory over
Azamat
Murzakanov at UFC 327,
Paulo
“Borrachinha” Costa has nothing to complain about regarding the
fruits of his labor.
With a long history at middleweight and now ranked No. 7 by the
Ultimate Fighting Championship in the light heavyweight
division, Costa feels he has a real chance of competing for the
205-pound interim belt soon with champ Carlos
Ulberg recovering from a serious knee injury. He has also been
called out by former champion Jiri
Prochazka.
And the Brazilian’s range of possibilities doesn’t end there. After
challenging Josh Hokit
for “stealing his bonus” at UFC 327 and receiving a positive
response from the American, a match at heavyweight has also become
an option for Costa.
“I have one more fight on my UFC contract and thank God there are
plenty of options,” Costa said. “I can fight in all three
divisions.”
When asked who he would select between Hokit, Prochazka and
middleweight king Khamzat
Chimaev, if the UFC gave him the opportunity, Costa didn’t
hesitate.
“I have a personal rivalry with Chimaev. If he beats Sean
Strickland on Saturday, it will be the biggest fight I can do
right now. So, among Hokit, Jiri and Chimaev, my choice would be
Chimaev.”
Costa revealed that he will be cageside at
UFC 328, where Chimaev will headline against Strickland.
“I’m going to Newark on Wednesday at the UFC’s invitation; they
called me to be there in the front row to promote this possible
super fight. I don’t have any injuries and I’m available to the UFC
to return as soon as possible,” Costa declared.
After being defeated by Strickland via split decision, Costa
believes that if the American survives Round 1 with Chimaev, he can
win a decision.
“I see that Chimaev starts very strong, trying to finish the fight
quickly. However, the longer the fight goes on, the worse it is for
Chimaev. Strickland is the opposite; he takes the fight to the end
at the same pace. I see Chimaev as the favorite in the first and
second rounds, but from then on, Strickland’s chances of winning
increase clearly.”
Short notice against Hokit?
Costa also talked about the greeting he received from U.S.
President Donald J. Trump the day after his victory at UFC 327 and
guaranteed that he would accept a call to replace Derrick
Lewis if he gets injured.
“The challenge of facing Hokit in a higher weight class at a
historic UFC event would certainly motivate me. Yes, I would
accept.”