Paulo Costa issued an apology to Russian fans following controversial statements made at a press conference. Costa explained that when he said negative things about Russians, he was specifically referring to Khamzat Chimaev, whom he called a "Chechen gourmet." He acknowledged that his words were misunderstood and emphasized that he actually likes Russian people and knows some living in Germany. Costa noted that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian but they are from the same country. He mentioned that he has now defeated two Russian fighters and hopes to face Chimaev next to make it three. The apology attempts to clarify his intent while maintaining his rivalry with Chimaev specifically.
Paulo Costa has issued a public apology to Russian fans after comments he made at a recent press conference sparked a wave of criticism, moving quickly to clarify that his remarks were directed at Khamzat Chimaev rather than Russian people as a whole.
Costa, 35, is a Brazilian middleweight ranked thirteenth in the UFC's 185-pound division with a professional record of 16-4-0. Fighting out of Team Borracha, the orthodox striker is one of the more aggressive volume fighters in the weight class, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. He explained that when he made disparaging remarks about Russians, he was specifically targeting Chimaev, whom he referred to as a "Chechen gourmet." Costa acknowledged his words were taken out of context, stressed that he genuinely likes Russian people, and pointed to personal connections he has with Russians living in Germany. He also noted that Chimaev is more Chechen than Russian by background, even if they share the same country of record. Costa added that he has now beaten two Russian fighters and hopes a bout with Chimaev would make it three.
Chimaev, 32, is the clear frontrunner in the middleweight division, sitting at number one in the rankings and number ten on the pound-for-pound list. Representing the UAE and training out of Allstars Training Center, "Borz" carries a record of 15-1-0 and is a dominant grappling force, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His 60 percent striking accuracy rounds out a well-rounded profile that has made him the division's most dangerous contender.
Why it matters
- Costa's apology keeps a high-profile rivalry with the top-ranked Chimaev in the public conversation
- A potential matchup would carry significant middleweight title implications given Chimaev's number-one ranking
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Costa's high-volume striking against Chimaev's elite wrestling and submission threat
