Paulo Costa Says He’ll Call Out Chimaev After UFC 318 — Real Beef or Just Hype?

By Ali Hammad July 16, 2025 09:02

Paulo Costa’s recent declaration that he will call out Khamzat Chimaev if he wins at UFC 318 has reignited one of the sport’s simmering rivalries. But as fight fans prepare for the Brazilian striker’s bout against Roman Kopylov this weekend, there’s a pressing question: Is Costa’s challenge to Chimaev genuine beef or just standard fight hype?

The tension between the two middleweights dates back to 2022, when the pair reportedly exchanged heated words inside the UFC Performance Institute. The animosity escalated online and in interviews, with Costa accusing Chimaev of dodging a fight against him for years. On “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Costa didn’t mince words: “If God gives me this victory, I will call his name. I’m going to call this son of a btch, motherfcker for a fight. He needs to fight me. I need to fight him.” He further claimed that UFC tried to book the matchup two years ago, but Chimaev refused, preferring other opponents at middleweight.

Chimaev is currently preparing for a title bout against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16, marking his first shot at the middleweight championship. His rise has been meteoric, with six wins in his first six UFC fights, combining devastating wrestling with improved striking. Known as “Borz,” Chimaev has become a fearsome competitor not just for his skills but also his aggressive pursuit of high-profile fights.

In contrast, Costa, once a feared contender himself, has struggled in recent years, going 1-4 in his past five outings and dropping his last two fights. The once-revered “Borrachinha” now sees UFC 318 as a critical opportunity to reestablish himself among the elite before issuing his challenge to Chimaev. Yet, many MMA analysts remain skeptical that this callout will materialize into a fight soon, given the political complexities and divergent career paths.

Some view Costa’s comments as classic fight promotion tactics: generating buzz by invoking a popular fighter’s name, hoping to leverage fan interest if he secures a decisive win over Kopylov. The rivalry certainly has a foundation public exchanges of insults and resentment over missed opportunities but the reality of match-making means this bout could be delayed for months or even years, especially if Chimaev clinches the title next month.

Costa’s camp added fuel to the fire with reports that Chimaev allegedly sent direct messages to Costa’s girlfriend, intensifying the personal nature of the feud. Costa declared publicly that this behavior “crossed the line,” adding emotional weight beyond professional rivalry.

However, as one MMA analyst noted, “Costa’s physical prime might be behind him, but his hunger and willingness to call out Chimaev show he’s not quitting. Whether Chimaev fights him depends on title status and UFC’s business interests.”

The upcoming UFC 318 bout will be telling. Costa predicts an early stoppage against Kopylov, aiming to return to winning ways and reignite his path to contention. A strong performance will bolster his credibility and compel Chimaev to address the challenge. Conversely, if Costa falters, the talk will likely dissipate.

Paulo Costa’s vow to call out Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 318 walks the fine line between genuine animosity and promotional flair inherent in MMA’s culture. With both fighters poised at pivotal moments Chimaev chasing gold and Costa seeking redemption the potential clash holds immense intrigue. Whether the fight happens soon or remains a tantalizing “what if” will unfold alongside the dynamic narratives shaping the middleweight division.

As Costa said emphatically, “He needs to fight me. I need to fight him.” The next step depends on if UFC 318 gives him the platform to back up those words.