Paulo Costa’s Shocking Claims on Dana White’s Pressure for UFC 294 and Podcast

Paulo Costa’s reflections on UFC 294 provide fans with a glimpse into the challenges fighters face outside the octagon

From difficult negotiations to personal struggles like learning English, Costa’s journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication.

While the fight with Khamzat Chimaev may not have materialized, Costa remains focused on his future in the UFC, and fans can look forward to seeing him back in action soon.

The potential for a future showdown with Chimaev remains a tantalizing possibility, and Costa’s commitment to improving both inside and outside the cage ensures that he will remain a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.

Paulo Costa Reflects on the Struggles Leading to UFC 294

Brazilian MMA star Paulo Costa recently opened up about the challenges surrounding his planned fight with Khamzat Chimaev, a much-anticipated bout that was scheduled for UFC 294 in October 2023.¹

The fight, which promised to be a pivotal middleweight matchup, never took place, leading to widespread speculation about what caused the cancellation.

During an appearance on Jake Shields’ YouTube channel, Costa discussed various topics, including his life in Brazil, his efforts to improve his English, and the difficulties leading up to UFC 294.

Hahahhajjjkajah kkkkkk https://t.co/gUVESVbXMh

— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 23, 2024

The Initial UFC 294 Hype

UFC 294 was supposed to showcase one of the biggest middleweight showdowns between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev.

Costa, known for his aggressive fighting style and powerful striking, was slated to face Chimaev, an undefeated phenom with a reputation for finishing fights quickly.

Fans were eager to see how these two fighters would match up, considering their different skill sets. Chimaev’s wrestling and relentless pressure contrasted with Costa’s raw power and durability, making it an exciting clash of styles.

However, the fight’s buildup was not as smooth as fans might have imagined. While Chimaev’s star was on the rise, Costa faced several obstacles that made this booking difficult.

In his interview with Jake Shields, Costa touched on the complexities that plagued the fight negotiations and how UFC executives, particularly Hunter Campbell, played a role in trying to make the bout happen.

Paulo Costa’s Perspective on UFC 294

Costa revealed in his conversation with Jake Shields that booking the fight with Chimaev was far from an easy task.²

He expressed frustration at how long it took to finalize the matchup and suggested that Chimaev himself might have been hesitant to accept the fight. According to Costa, Chimaev was not eager to face him, which led to delays in securing the bout.

“This fight was so hard to get because he [Chimaev] always said no,” Costa explained. He implied that Chimaev’s reluctance was a significant factor in the long and arduous process leading up to UFC 294.

Despite the UFC’s efforts to push the fight through, Costa believes that Chimaev was not fully committed to facing him in the octagon.

UFC’s Role in Pushing the Fight

Despite the challenges, UFC President Dana White and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell were determined to make the Costa vs. Chimaev fight a reality.

Costa credited Campbell with putting pressure on Chimaev to accept the bout, even suggesting that Chimaev might not have fought anyone if he didn’t agree to face Costa.

Costa mentioned that Hunter Campbell played a key role in pushing Chimaev into accepting the fight. “[Hunter] say ok, if you didn’t fight Paulo in Abu Dhabi, you fight no one. Nobody anymore, you know? You’re gonna stay until the next year [laughs],” Costa said.

This suggests that the UFC was fully invested in making this fight happen, even if it meant sidelining Chimaev if he refused.

The Mystery Surrounding the Cancellation

While Costa’s comments gave some insight into the negotiations and behind-the-scenes efforts to set up the fight, the exact reasons for the fight’s cancellation remain unclear.

There was speculation about injuries, visa issues, and other potential obstacles that may have prevented the fight from happening. Costa himself hinted at “problems on document,” possibly alluding to visa or travel issues on Chimaev’s side.

However, Costa did not delve too deeply into the specifics, leaving fans with more questions than answers. The Brazilian fighter’s lighthearted tone when discussing Chimaev’s possible issues suggested that there might have been complications beyond just willingness to fight, but he stopped short of providing further details.

Costa’s Life in Brazil

• During the interview with Jake Shields, Costa also took some time to talk about his personal life in Brazil.
• He described his daily routine and the challenges he faces living in his home country, where he continues to train and prepare for future fights.
• Despite the international fame he has gained through the UFC, Costa remains deeply connected to his Brazilian roots and continues to live there full-time.
• Living in Brazil has its advantages and disadvantages, according to Costa. While he enjoys the familiarity and comfort of being in his home country, he also acknowledged that certain aspects of his life, such as communication, can be challenging when dealing with international business.
• Costa’s commitment to training in Brazil reflects his dedication to staying grounded and maintaining a close connection to his origins, despite the global nature of his fighting career.
• One of the most significant challenges Costa discussed was his effort to learn English. He admitted that mastering the language has been a struggle for him, but he recognizes its importance for his career.
• With UFC being a global promotion, English is a vital tool for communication, both in fight promotions and in building a fanbase beyond Portuguese-speaking countries.
• Costa mentioned that his English has improved, but he is still working on it. The fact that he is actively learning the language demonstrates his commitment to growing as an athlete and public figure.
• By improving his English, Costa can engage more effectively with fans and the media, which is crucial for a fighter of his stature.

What’s Next for Paulo Costa?

With the UFC 294 fight against Chimaev no longer on the table, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Paulo Costa.³

He remains one of the top contenders in the middleweight division, and there are still plenty of exciting matchups for him in the UFC.

His physicality, striking ability, and charisma make him a compelling figure in the sport, and he continues to have a strong fan following.

As Costa focuses on improving his skills and staying ready for the next opportunity, the UFC may look to rebook a fight with Chimaev or offer him another high-profile opponent. With the middleweight division stacked with talent, there are no shortage of options for Costa to showcase his abilities.

The Ongoing Rivalry with Chimaev

Although the fight didn’t happen at UFC 294, the tension between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev remains high. Both fighters have engaged in verbal sparring, and the potential for a future bout is still very much alive.

Given the hype that surrounded their originally scheduled fight, the UFC may revisit this matchup in the future, depending on how each fighter’s career progresses.

Chimaev, with his undefeated record, remains a hot prospect, while Costa’s reputation as a powerful and dangerous fighter makes him a perennial threat in the division.

Fans are eager to see if these two will ever settle their differences inside the octagon, and the UFC is likely aware of the drawing power such a fight would generate.

UFC 294: A Missed Opportunity

The cancellation of the Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC 294 was undoubtedly a missed opportunity for both fighters and the promotion.

The bout had the potential to be one of the most exciting middleweight matchups of the year, and its fallout left fans disappointed.

However, both Costa and Chimaev continue to be major players in the UFC, and the potential for a rescheduled fight still looms large.

Costa’s insights into the difficulties leading up to UFC 294 shed light on the complexities of fight negotiations and the role that UFC executives play in making high-stakes matchups a reality. Although the fight didn’t happen, the story behind its cancellation adds another layer of intrigue to Costa’s career and his ongoing rivalry with Chimaev.