Paulo Costa's team released video showing him struggling significantly to make 93 kilograms for his next fight. This represents a major cut from his previous fighting weight of 84 kg. Costa has also made inflammatory comments about Russian fighters, stating he will defeat his current opponent and then target Khamzat Chimaev. Meanwhile, Jiri Prochazka received a surprise gift from Johnny Walker related to his daughter's upcoming birth. Jon Jones announced he has retired from fighting and is now focused on business. Merab Dvalishvili plans to fight twice more this year despite suffering a broken nose.
Paulo Costa's team posted video footage on April 11 showing the Brazilian fighter in visible distress as he worked to reach 93 kilograms for his next scheduled bout, a weight class that demands a significant cut from his previous fighting weight of 84 kilograms.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 professional record and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old from Brazil trains out of Team Borracha and brings one of the most aggressive striking outputs in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. The jump to 93 kilograms represents an unusual upward move for a middleweight competitor, and the footage released by his camp suggests the process has not been straightforward. Costa also made pointed remarks about Russian fighters, stating he intends to beat his current opponent before setting his sights on Khamzat Chimaev.
Elsewhere in the news, Jiri Prochazka received a thoughtful gift from fellow light heavyweight Johnny Walker ahead of the birth of his daughter. The Czech Republic native holds a 32-6-1 record, ranks second in the light heavyweight division, and at six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach remains one of the most physically imposing strikers at 205 pounds. The 33-year-old lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Jon Jones, the 38-year-old former champion carrying a 28-1-0 record, announced his retirement from competition and stated his focus has shifted to business pursuits.
Merab Dvalishvili, despite suffering a broken nose, has indicated he intends to compete twice more before the year is out.
Why it matters
- Costa's weight-cut footage raises questions about his physical condition heading into the fight
- His stated intention to pursue Chimaev next could shake up the crowded middleweight rankings
- Jones's retirement, if confirmed, reshapes the landscape at heavyweight
- Dvalishvili's plan for two fights signals aggressive activity at his weight class
