In the lead-up to UFC 294, where Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa are gearing up for a middleweight showdown, the temperature in the octagon is soaring. What began as a post-fight challenge has rapidly grown into an intense rivalry. It’s abundantly clear that both fighters are itching to settle their differences within the confines of the famed cage. Further, the upset at UFC 293 has opened the doors for this fight to be a potential no.1 contender’s match for the middleweight title. This poses a significant threat to the recently dethroned Israel Adesanya’s title fight rematch aspirations. Amidst all this, a former ‘Borz’ rival has stepped into the fray – only to heat things up even more.

Gilbert Burns, the welterweight UFC star who clashed with Chimaev, back at UFC 273 PPV has chimed in with an interesting take. Drawing from his personal experience fighting the Chechen, the Brazilian has made some amusing suggestions about his rival’s upcoming battle at UFC 294. What’s he saying? Let’s hear it from the Brazilian himself.

Former rival makes a bold prediction for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa UFC 294 clash

Gilbert Burns recently sat down with MiddleEasy for an intriguing interview. During the discussion, the Brazilian made some compelling suggestions about the UFC 294 middleweight clash. Despite any personal feelings he might harbor toward Chimaev and Costa, ‘Durinho’ anticipates a closely contested bout.

According to Burns, “Costa, like everybody’s saying – is huge! He’s a big guy – but I don’t think he has the heart that I have. I don’t think he has the jiu-jitsu that I have. He doesn’t have the get-ups that I have. He doesn’t have the submission threat that I have – that kind of made Khamzat not want to grapple. I think he’s very strong and a big guy – but I think he’s gonna gas.”

As for Burns’ preferred outcome? He humorously quipped, “I don’t like both of these guys! Double knockout would be the best result – but, I don’t know. It’s a 50-50 fight.” But ‘Durinho’s analysis did not end there.

He further declared, “If Khamzat is able to take him down, I think it will be a harder night for Costa. But in the other way too – if Costa is able to defend the takedown, it will be a hard night for Khamzat. So, I think we’re gonna see the winner with how the first round goes.” 

UFC Hall-of-Famer has a similar narrative for Chimaev vs. Costa

Recently, Michael Bisping, aka ‘The Count,’ turned to his YouTube channel to offer his perspective on the impending UFC 294 middleweight showdown. Delving into ‘Borz’s chances against Costa, he presented some thought-provoking arguments.

One of Bisping’s key points revolved around Paulo Costa’s notable victory over UFC veteran Yoel Romero – underscoring the Brazilian’s wrestling skills. “This is the key performance for Paulo Costa… He beat Yoel Romero! Khamzat Chimaev is an incredible wrestler and [I’m] sure the man can bang. The man’s got power in the hands,” said Bisping.

Drawing a stark comparison in their wrestling backgrounds, Bisping emphasized that while ‘Borz’ is undoubtedly a skilled wrestler, Yoel Romero boasts the distinction of Olympic medals, setting him apart. 

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Expanding on his viewpoint, ‘The Count’ further added, “Anyways, so when you look at that – I think Costa has the anti-wrestling to stop the wrestling offense of Khamzat Chimaev. What happens then? Well, it plays out on the feet. And Paulo Costa – that man can take a beating… the man can take a shot. He can stop takedowns! This is a very difficult fight for Khamzat Chimaev.”

‘The Count’ believes that if ‘Borz’ indeed delivers on his promise of making Costa pay – he will be catapulting himself into the number one title contender’s spot. This could very well result in the sidelining of the rematch Israel Adesanya is dreaming of having – to have his shot at Sean Strickland‘s middleweight title.

As the highly anticipated UFC 294 middleweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa draws near, the fighting world is abuzz with excitement and speculation. With both fighters poised to give their all inside the octagon, the clash promises to be a spectacle. What do you think? Who will come out on top? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: Is the Khamzat Chimaev vs Paulo Costa Fight Happening on UFC 294?