Paulo Costa issued an apology to Russian fans for comments he made at a press conference. The Brazilian fighter clarified that his negative remarks were directed specifically at Khamzat Chimaev, not Russians in general. Costa stated he regrets saying he hates Russians and explained his comments were meant for the "Chechen gourmet," referring to Chimaev. He emphasized that he loves Russian people and knows some living in Germany. Costa also noted this would be the second Russian opponent he has defeated and expressed hope to fight Chimaev as a third.
Paulo Costa has walked back inflammatory remarks made at a recent press conference, issuing an apology to Russian fans while insisting his words were aimed solely at Khamzat Chimaev.
The Brazilian middleweight, ranked 13th in the division at 35 years old, said he regrets stating that he hates Russians and clarified that the comments were directed at Chimaev, whom he referred to as the "Chechen gourmet." Costa, who carries a 16-4 record and trains out of Team Borracha, added that he has a genuine affection for Russian people and counts some among his acquaintances in Germany. He also noted that the upcoming contest would mark his second victory over a Russian opponent, with Chimaev representing a potential third should that fight ever materialize.
Chimaev, the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked fighter pound-for-pound, holds a 15-1 record and competes out of the United Arab Emirates. The 32-year-old trains at Allstars Training Center and has established himself as one of the division's most dangerous all-around threats, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing 60 percent of his significant strikes. His submission rate of 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes adds another layer of danger alongside his grappling volume.
Why it matters
- Costa's public clarification keeps attention on a potential Costa vs. Chimaev matchup in the middleweight division
- Chimaev sits at number one in the division while Costa holds the 13th spot, making the stylistic and rankings gap a notable storyline
- Costa lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, setting up a potential contrast with Chimaev's heavy wrestling and grappling game
