Outside Source
Despite not winning a performance bonus for his victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa has nothing to complain about regarding the fruits of his labor.
With a long history at middleweight and now ranked No. 7 by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the light heavyweight division, Costa feels he has a real chance of competing for the 205-pound interim belt soon with champ Carlos Ulberg recovering from a serious knee injury. He has also been called out by former champion Jiri Prochazka.
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And the Brazilian’s range of possibilities doesn’t end there. After challenging Josh Hokit for “stealing his bonus” at UFC 327 and receiving a positive response from the American, a match at heavyweight has also become an option for Costa.
“I have one more fight on my UFC contract and thank God there are plenty of options,” Costa said. “I can fight in all three divisions.”
When asked who he would select between Hokit, Prochazka and middleweight king Khamzat Chimaev, if the UFC gave him the opportunity, Costa didn’t hesitate.
“I have a personal rivalry with Chimaev. If he beats Sean Strickland on Saturday, it will be the biggest fight I can do right now. So, among Hokit, Jiri and Chimaev, my choice would be Chimaev.”
Costa revealed that he will be cageside at UFC 328, where Chimaev will headline against Strickland.
“I’m going to Newark on Wednesday at the UFC’s invitation; they called me to be there in the front row to promote this possible super fight. I don’t have any injuries and I’m available to the UFC to return as soon as possible,” Costa declared.
After being defeated by Strickland via split decision, Costa believes that if the American survives Round 1 with Chimaev, he can win a decision.
“I see that Chimaev starts very strong, trying to finish the fight quickly. However, the longer the fight goes on, the worse it is for Chimaev. Strickland is the opposite; he takes the fight to the end at the same pace. I see Chimaev as the favorite in the first and second rounds, but from then on, Strickland’s chances of winning increase clearly.”
Short notice against Hokit?
Costa also talked about the greeting he received from U.S. President Donald J. Trump the day after his victory at UFC 327 and guaranteed that he would accept a call to replace Derrick Lewis if he gets injured.
“The challenge of facing Hokit in a higher weight class at a historic UFC event would certainly motivate me. Yes, I would accept.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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