“I Don’t Know if His Head Is Back in the Fight Game..”: Former UFC Middleweight Champ Gives His Two Cents on Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev Fight at UFC 294

As the UFC 294 draws near the former middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold weighs in on the potential showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa. Rockhold had a brutal encounter with Costa in the past, where Rockhold ultimately lost to Costa. Rockhold believes that Chimaev possesses the necessary tools & mindset to emerge victorious, but questions linger surrounding Costa’s commitment to the fight game.

Rockhold, in an interview with MMA journalist Chamatkar Sandhu, illuminated the prospects of the upcoming fight between Chimaev and Costa. He also shed some light on his fight against Costa, which he lost.

Luke Rockhold provides insights on Chimaev vs. Costa fight at UFC 294

The 38-year-old, during a conversation with Chatmakar Sandhu on his YouTube channel, was asked about his insights on the upcoming Chimaev vs. Costa fight scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi at UFC 294. He stated that he had no idea what was about to happen. He emphasized that Hamza could employ wrestling; however, he pointed out that it’s very difficult to outwrestle Costa. Rockhold said, “ I really don’t know I don’t know what to say I think I think Hamza could employ wrestling I mean you can out-wrestle Paulo ”  

While contemplating his fight where he lost against Costa, he stated, ” I was Rusty I came back I broke my nose that changed the element very quickly in the first round Oh how that fight could have gone “

He further stated that Khamzat has the potential to win against Costa; however, he added that it would be very difficult to overpower Costa. He quoted “Khamzat is sharp he’s a little younger he’s probably got a little bit of cardio he could win but Paulo could overwhelm them very very much so we’ll see how Paulo is where he’s at you know he’s not his I don’t know if his head is back in the fight game fully so we’ll see if this really snaps him in and if he’s on the hunt in the right way ” 

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Rockhold emphasized that both fighters have amazing potential, making it really hard to judge who could win. However, since Rockhold was the last man to share the Octagon with Costa, he has an understanding of Costa’s recent fighting style. He can provide advice on avoiding the same mistakes he made when he faced Costa.

Rockhold’s emotional farewell: a blood-and-guts battle

In the co-main event of UFC 278, Luke Rockhold (16-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) squared off against Paulo Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in a gritty showdown that left spectators in awe. The judges’ unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in favor of Costa sealed the deal, but it was the display of heart from both fighters that truly stole the show.

Following the fight, a visibly emotional Rockhold hinted that this intense battle might mark the end of his fighting career. At 37 years old, Rockhold had endured a more than three-year hiatus from competition and had not tasted victory in five consecutive bouts.

A stalwart in the sport, Rockhold’s journey included stints as a Strikeforce and UFC champion. He played a pivotal role in the American Kickboxing Academy’s ascent. He boasted victories over an array of UFC luminaries, such as Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida, Michael Bisping, and Ronaldo Souza.

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