Paulo Costa issued an apology to Russian fans for negative comments he made about Russians at a press conference. Costa clarified that his remarks were specifically directed at Khamzat Chimaev, whom he referred to as "that Chechen gourmet," rather than Russians in general. He explained that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian, though they are from the same country. Costa stated he loves Russian people and is acquainted with some who live in Germany. He also noted this is the second Russian fighter he has defeated and expressed hope to fight Chimaev for a third victory over a Russian opponent.
Paulo Costa has publicly apologized to Russian fans following backlash over comments he made at a recent press conference, clarifying that his words were aimed solely at Khamzat Chimaev and not at Russians as a people.
The Brazilian middleweight, ranked 13th in the division at 35 years old, walked back the remarks while also doubling down on his animosity toward his targeted rival. Costa, who carries a 16-4 record and trains out of Team Borracha, explained that he loves Russian people and counts some among his personal acquaintances in Germany. He referred to Chimaev specifically as "that Chechen gourmet," adding that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian — though he acknowledged both nations fall under the same country. Costa also noted he has already defeated two Russian fighters in his career and expressed a desire to face Chimaev as a potential third.
Chimaev, meanwhile, sits at the opposite end of the middleweight landscape. The 32-year-old Borz holds a 15-1 record and is ranked first in the division, also slotting in at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and now representing the United Arab Emirates, Chimaev has built his reputation on relentless grappling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes — numbers that stand in stark contrast to Costa's output of just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes. Costa, for his part, is one of the division's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Costa's public apology keeps his feud with Chimaev in the spotlight and signals continued interest in a matchup between the two middleweights.
- A bout would pit the division's top-ranked contender against a streaky veteran looking to rebuild relevance at 185 pounds.
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Chimaev's elite wrestling against Costa's high-volume striking makes for a compelling mixed-style clash on paper.
