Paulo Costa Challenges Chimaev's Readiness for Prime Time After UFC 294

Paulo Costa Doubts Chimaev’s Readiness for Top UFC Ranks Following UFC 294 Showdown

Costa Critiques Chimaev’s Victory over Usman, Questions His Maturity for Big Fights

Paulo Costa, sidelined by infection, watched his potential opponent Khamzat Chimaev narrowly secure a victory over last-minute stand-in Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Costa’s scrutiny of Chimaev’s performance has sparked discussions about Chimaev’s readiness for the upper echelon of the UFC.

Chimaev, who made waves in the UFC with three wins within two months in 2020, faced an unexpected opponent in Usman after Costa’s withdrawal. Despite his victory, Costa suggests this fight diminished Chimaev’s stature.

“I think this fight makes Chimaev smaller than he was before,” Costa remarked during The MMA Hour.

According to Costa, Chimaev’s struggle against a top welterweight, not a middleweight, and one who stepped in on such short notice, revealed significant gaps in his game.

“He showed a lot of holes in his game. So immature, going hard, he just rushed too much in the first [round] and he wasn’t there anymore in the second, in the third,” Costa analyzed.

The Brazilian fighter doesn’t deny Chimaev’s potential but argues he’s not ready for major showdowns. He points out Chimaev’s support comes primarily from fans new to the sport, not the hardcore base. Costa emphasized,

“For those who have been long time in this sport, you can recognize when a guy is ready for big things or not. I don’t believe he’s ready right now.”

Despite UFC CEO Dana White’s suggestion that the fight was a title eliminator, Costa remains unconvinced of Chimaev’s immediate future in contention for the belt. He believes hype around Chimaev is part of a strategy to keep fan interest high.

“I think Dana White…just [used this] to hype this event,” Costa stated, confident that White knows what’s best for the sport’s progression.

This critique comes amidst a personal rivalry dating back to 2022, with Costa now expressing less enthusiasm for a match with Chimaev. However, his message for Chimaev remains clear as he eyes a return to the Octagon in December: