UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa shared details about Khamzat Chimaev’s reported security at UFC 319.
Costa’s clash with the middleweight champion
Paulo Costa has never hidden his dislike for Khamzat Chimaev, who became middleweight champion after dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. A fight between them seems unlikely, as other contenders currently rank above Costa in the division.
Costa recently impressed with a win over Roman Kopylov, proving he has the tools to climb the middleweight ranks. Yet, he often appears to create obstacles for himself outside the octagon. Despite this, Costa keeps speaking out against the champion whenever he gets the chance.
The extreme precautions at UFC 319
In a recent interview, Costa revealed the extreme measures surrounding Chimaev during UFC 319. He said, “We had everything set up to go to Chicago after my fight against Roman Kopylov. We contacted UFC, and they told me, ‘Paulo, it’s better you not go there because he might have like 20 people surrounding him to protect him from you. It’s a big fight to protect him.’ I couldn’t believe it.
He brought a whole army. He always walks with people to protect him. They told me it’s better not to go because we don’t know where he might be in the arena, and they could confront me or attack me. It was crazy.”
Costa’s account highlights the intensity and paranoia around top-level UFC fights. Whether this tension leads to a matchup remains uncertain, but Costa clearly keeps Chimaev in his sights.
