Former UFC double champion Conor McGregor does not feel Khamzat Chimaev deserves a title shot yet. Before fighting Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, the Chechen fighter was supposed to take on Paulo Costa in a middleweight title eliminator fight. However, due to his shoulder injury, Costa was pulled off the card.
Instead, Chimaev was matched up with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who had to move up a weight class on 10 days’ notice. Chimaev gladly accepted the challenge and managed to gain a majority decision win over the Nigerian Nightmare. Although it was a close win, Chimaev earned himself a title shot after his performance at UFC 294.
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However, UFC superstar Conor McGregor believes that Khamzat is not truly tested at 185 lbs yet. Conor addressed the fact that Borz hasn’t fought a real 185-lbs fighter. He also pointed out a mistake in Khamzat’s game plan, as he was not able to get a rear naked choke despite having Usman’s back. Furthermore, the Notorious wants Chimaev to fight Paulo Costa before fighting for the title against Sean Strickland.
“You know what, Chimaev may need to prove more for a 185 lb title shot for me. He must be a true 185er. Rebook Chimaev vs Costa,” posted McGregor. Paulo seemed to approve of Conor’s opinion and wanted Dana White to rebook the fight as well.
The Brazilian is already making a great recovery from his injury and might accept a fight by the end of this year. Additionally, his involvement in the brawl at UFC 294 clearly showcases that Costa is ready for a fight and wants to take on Khamzat.
Paulo Costa involved in a huge brawl at UFC 294
Despite being pulled out of UFC 294, middleweight fighter Paulo Costa made sure to attend the event in Dubai. Prior to his attendance at the Etihad Arena, Costa had to go through an elbow surgery. Even UFC CEO Dana White supported Paulo being out of the fight due to the gruesome nature of his operation.
Yet Costa was present on the sidelines and was booed heavily before the start of Khamzat’s fight. Right after that, the Brazilian got involved in a huge brawl where he was seen punching a fan trying to get on his nerves.
A brawl at UFC 294 including Paulo Costapic.twitter.com/WOSo1PMPoJ
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To further taunt fans of the Chechen fighter, Paulo reposted the clip of him punching the fan, implying that he was ready for a fight. Needless to say, the security intervened and kicked out the fans who tried creating a ruckus. Although Dana White has yet to react to the brawl, he is most likely displeased with Costa’s actions.
Additionally, Paulo might have only attended the event to spite Khamzat and his fans present at the arena. What will be Dana White’s reaction to Costa’s involvement in the brawl? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.