Paulo Costa stated that he likes fighting Russian fighters, having most recently defeated Roman Koplov. The Brazilian was previously scheduled to face both Ikram Aliskerov and Khamzat Chimaev in bouts that never materialized. Costa's comment suggests an appreciation for the style or challenge presented by Russian opponents, though specific reasons for his preference are not detailed in the post.
Paulo Costa has gone on record saying he has a genuine fondness for facing Russian fighters, a preference shaped by a string of matchups — completed and otherwise — against opponents from that part of the world.
Costa, 35, holds a 16-4-0 record competing at middleweight, where he is currently ranked thirteenth in the UFC's 185-pound division. The Brazilian fighter out of Team Borracha is one of the more aggressive strikers in the weight class, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His most recent victory came against Roman Koplov, adding another Russian name to his resume and apparently reinforcing his affinity for those contests.
The comment also nods to two high-profile bouts that never came to fruition. Costa was at one point scheduled to meet Ikram Aliskerov, the 33-year-old Russian southpaw who carries an 18-2-0 record and lands significant strikes at a remarkable 6.86 per minute with 64 percent accuracy. A matchup with Khamzat Chimaev, the number-one-ranked middleweight and top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, was also discussed but never took place. Chimaev, 32 and fighting out of the UAE, is a particularly well-rounded threat, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a 60 percent striking accuracy mark from an orthodox stance.
Why it matters
- Costa's comments keep alive the possibility of rescheduled bouts with Aliskerov or Chimaev, both of whom represent significant ranking opportunities at 185 pounds.
- A win over either fighter would dramatically improve Costa's standing from his current thirteenth-place position in a stacked division.
- The stylistic contrast is notable: Costa's high-volume striking would be tested by Aliskerov's accuracy and Chimaev's elite grappling pressure.
