Could we finally see this fight play out at UFC 332? The UFC has not yet announced the headliner for the upcoming October card but one name that has consistently been thrown around for the event is Paulo Costa. Costa has recently replied to a tweet from @jaysenthilvelan stating if the UFC makes the fight he will end all of the hype surrounding Khamzat Chimaev. If made this will be one of the biggest grudge matches in UFC history. Do you want to see this headline UFC 332? #ufc #mma #ufc332 #paulocosta #khamzatchimaev
Paulo Costa has put himself forward as a potential opponent for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 332, a card the promotion has yet to officially headline, responding publicly on social media that he would "end all of the hype" surrounding the unbeaten contender if the UFC makes the fight.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record and currently sits sixth in the light heavyweight rankings at 35 years old. The Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and fights out of an orthodox stance at six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach. He is one of the sport's most prolific pressure strikers, landing an outstanding 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that have made him appointment viewing throughout his UFC tenure.
Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," represents one of the most feared forces in the sport right now. The UAE-based Swede holds a 15-1 record and is ranked first in the middleweight division, also sitting tenth pound-for-pound at just 32 years old. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev is a wrecking ball in both disciplines — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy, blending elite wrestling with sharp offensive output.
Why it matters
- Costa's social media callout signals genuine interest from at least one side, but no booking has been made by the UFC.
- A potential cross-divisional or catchweight element would need to be resolved, as Costa competes at light heavyweight and Chimaev is a ranked middleweight.
- Both fighters are orthodox strikers who engage aggressively, setting up a potential war if matched, with Chimaev's grappling offering a clear stylistic counter to Costa's striking volume.
- The October card still lacks a confirmed headliner, leaving a prominent slot open.
