Paulo Costa issued an apology to Russian fans after making controversial statements at a press conference. Costa explained that his negative comments were directed specifically at Khamzat Chimaev, not Russians in general. He acknowledged saying he hates Russians but clarified this was a mistake and he meant only certain individuals. Costa noted that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian but they are all one country. He expressed respect for Russian people and said he knows some living in Germany. Costa mentioned he has now defeated two Russian fighters and hopes to make it three by fighting Chimaev, whom he referred to as "the Chechen gourmet."
Brazilian middleweight Paulo Costa has issued a public apology to Russian fans following a wave of backlash over remarks he made at a recent press conference, clarifying that his comments were directed at Khamzat Chimaev rather than the Russian people as a whole.
Costa, 35, acknowledged saying he hates Russians but described the statement as a mistake, explaining he meant only specific individuals. The 16-4 middleweight, ranked 13th in the UFC's 185-pound division, added that he has respect for Russian people and noted he knows some personally through his time in Germany. He also pointed out that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian, while acknowledging they share the same country. Costa finished by doubling down on his desire to fight Chimaev, calling him "the Chechen gourmet" and noting that he has already beaten two Russian fighters and hopes to make it three.
Chimaev, 32, is the top-ranked middleweight in the UFC and sits 10th on the pound-for-pound list. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center, the 15-1 contender carries an imposing grappling-heavy style, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, giving him a size advantage over Costa's six-foot-one frame and 72-inch reach.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," is one of the division's most prolific strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- A potential Costa vs. Chimaev matchup would pit the division's 13th-ranked fighter against its top contender, making it a significant rankings bout at 185 pounds.
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Costa's elite striking volume against Chimaev's relentless wrestling and submission threats.
- Costa's public outreach to Russian fans suggests he is actively courting attention around a possible fight negotiation, though no bout has been confirmed.
