Paulo Costa has stated that he likes fighting opponents from Russia. In his most recent bout, the Brazilian defeated Roman Kopylov. Prior to that fight, Costa had bouts scheduled against Russian fighters Ikram Aliskerov and Khamzat Chimaev, though both of those matchups ultimately fell through and never took place. Costa's comments suggest he appreciates the toughness and challenge that Russian fighters bring to the octagon.
Paulo Costa has gone on record saying he has a genuine appreciation for fighting Russian opponents, a preference that aligns with recent chapters of his career inside the middleweight division.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," carries a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked thirteenth in the UFC middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and brings an aggressive orthodox striking game, averaging an impressive 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that rank among the division's most prolific output. His most recent octagon appearance ended in a victory over fellow middleweight Roman Kopylov.
Kopylov, ranked fourteenth at 185 pounds, enters his record at 15-5-0. The 34-year-old southpaw from Russia averages 4.59 significant strikes per minute and holds a seventy-five-inch reach, making him a rangy and dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Costa also had two bouts lined up against Russian fighters that never materialized. One of those was against Khamzat Chimaev, the number-one-ranked middleweight and pound-for-pound top-ten fighter who sports a 15-1-0 record. The 32-year-old "Borz," representing the United Arab Emirates, is one of the division's most complete threats, averaging 5.29 takedowns per fifteen minutes alongside 60 percent striking accuracy. A second scheduled matchup against Ikram Aliskerov also fell through. Costa indicated his comments reflect a respect for the toughness and competitive challenge that Russian fighters bring.
Why it matters
- Costa's win over Kopylov keeps him active and relevant at thirteenth in a stacked middleweight division
- A rescheduled bout with Chimaev, the division's top-ranked contender, would represent a massive leap in competition for Costa
- Costa's high striking volume and Chimaev's elite grappling would create a compelling style contrast if that fight is ever revisited
