Paulo Costa has reportedly changed his attitude toward Russian fighters, stating he now hates them and plans to add a second consecutive Russian to his record after his upcoming fight. Costa expressed difficulty making 93 kg at weigh-ins, a significant jump from his previous 84 kg middleweight limit, with his team sharing video of the struggle. He also called out Khamzat Chimaev as a potential third Russian opponent. Other news includes Johnny Walker giving Jiri Prochazka a surprise gift related to his upcoming daughter's birth, Jon Jones claiming retirement from fighting to focus on business, and Merab Dvalishvili planning two more fights this year despite a broken nose. Josh Hokit was noted dropping his act off-camera and apologizing to his team.
Paulo Costa has stirred up controversy ahead of his next fight, publicly declaring a newfound animosity toward Russian fighters while his team documented the physical toll of preparing for a heavier weight class.
The Brazilian middleweight, ranked 13th in his division at 35 years old, carries a 16-4-0 record and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Costa announced he intends to make a second consecutive Russian opponent a victim on his record and has already called out Khamzat Chimaev as a potential third. His team shared video of Costa struggling to meet the 93 kg weigh-in limit — a notable step up from his previous 84 kg middleweight ceiling — highlighting just how difficult the physical adjustment has been.
Elsewhere in the news cycle, Jon Jones, the 38-year-old former champion standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach and a career record of 28-1-0, claimed he has retired from fighting in order to concentrate on business ventures. No official confirmation from the UFC was included in the report.
Jiri Prochazka, the second-ranked light heavyweight out of Czech Republic, received a surprise gift from fellow 205-pounder Johnny Walker connected to the upcoming birth of Prochazka's daughter. The 33-year-old carries a 32-6-1 record and lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the division's most prolific offensive fighters.
Bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili indicated he is pushing forward with plans for two more fights in 2026 despite suffering a broken nose. Lastly, Josh Hokit was reported to have dropped his on-camera persona backstage and apologized to his team.
Why it matters
- Costa's weight class move and anti-Russian stance sets up potential marquee matchups at a higher division
- Jones claiming retirement, if genuine, would create a massive vacancy at the top of the heavyweight landscape
- Prochazka remaining active and in good spirits at ranked number two keeps the light heavyweight title picture competitive
