Charles Oliveira Picks Sides As ‘Bad Blood’ Between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa Sets Up “Really Big Fight” at UFC 294 – “What He’s Got To Do…”

Charles Oliveira wants to get his title back, but he also has words for his co-main eventers. The fighter is all set to fight Islam Makhachev to become champ again. Do Bronx made his debut back in 2010 and has had his struggles in the featherweight and lightweight divisions until becoming champion in 2021, almost 11 years later. Now, he’s ready to bite back.

Spending so long in the division makes him very aware of the state of the fight. In a recent conversation with James Lynch, the fighter gave his two cents about the co-main event. The fight is the anticipated bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa. Here’s what the interview looked like.

Charles Oliveira compares the fighting styles of his co-main event fighters

Sitting down with Lynch, Oliveira was asked how he thinks the co-main event will play out. Both Chimaev and Costa are fearsome fighters and so does Oliveira pick sides?

“You know that’s gonna also be a really big fight,” said Oliveira. “Paul Costa is you know just a well-rounded fighter with his Jiu-Jitsu, his standup, but obviously he’s facing somebody with you know strong hands and heavy hands. So he (Oliveira) thinks that if Borz is able to just connect his game and do what he’s got to do then he’ll get that,”

The former lightweight champion is correct about his stance. Khamzat Chimaev has made a career out of outwrestling his opponents. However, his strikes are no less lethal when it comes to folding opponents on the mat. Costa on the other end is a high-caliber offensive beast. The difference in style is what makes this bout so interesting.

Things that led up to the fight

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa is a fight that has had some interesting developments before it was announced. First, it was Chimaev failing to weigh in, and then Costa pulling out of a fight. That’s right, both the fighters had mishaps in their previous bouts.

Also Read: “Bro Got 6 Pack on His Back”: Khamzat Chimaev’s Latest Jaw Dropping Physique Ahead of His Fight Against Paulo Cost at UFC 294 Leaves Fans in Disbelief

When Chimaev was supposed to fight Nate Diaz, he couldn’t make weight and ended up battling Kevin Holland instead. He won by submission in the very first round, much to fans’ dismay for it not being the entertaining fight that was promised. Meanwhile, Paulo Costa just canceled his planned bout against Ikram Aliskerov. Now, the two will lock horns at UFC 294 on October 21. Who are you rooting for?

Watch This Story: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Workout Routine Revealed