Paulo Costa, Khamzat Chimaev Close to Falling Off Confirms Dana White After Charles Oliveira-Islam Makhachev Cancellation Puts UFC 294 in Jeopardy

One of the most anticipated matchups of the year was Paulo Costa’s face-off against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. Both fighters have yet to step into the cage in 2023. Chimaev had been preparing to move up to middleweight following his weight mishap at UFC 279. Originally slated to go head-to-head with Nate Diaz at 170 lbs, the fight was scrapped due to his failure to make weight. Instead, ‘Borz’ went up against Kevin Holland in a catch-weight bout at 180 lbs, where he secured a swift victory with a first-round submission.

As for Costa, his last bout took place at UFC 278 in 2022. Where he triumphed in a unanimous decision clash against Luke Rockhold. Since then, he had been absent from the fight scene. Leaving fans eagerly anticipating the explosive showdown against Chimaev. However, recent news about Costa undergoing surgery cast doubt on the status of their matchup.

Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev fight may not happen according to Dana White

Leading up to UFC 294, Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev were engaged in an intense exchange on social media. The rivalry between the two fighters mirrored the unpredictability of their fights. Costa, known for his social media antics and a favorite among fans, disclosed that Chimaev had also involved his partner and manager in the feud.

Costa shared screenshots of supposed messages sent by Chimaev to his girlfriend and manager, Tamara Alves. On his Twitter account, Costa declared, “I’m going to report this harassment by Gourmet Chen Chen towards my girlfriend, the future mother of my children, and my manager.”

These messages apparently included images from the Costa vs. Israel Adesanya fight, along with captions that raised questions about their relationship. However, all this build-up might amount to nothing due to revelations about Paulo Costa’s surgery just five weeks before their scheduled clash on October 21, which were shared online.

According to Aaron Bronsteter on Twitter, Dana White mentioned that the fight between the two at UFC 294 might not materialize. The revelations about the surgery were cited as one of the primary reasons for the possible bout of cancellation.

White also confirmed that the UFC had been in touch with potential fighters who could take Costa’s place. However, full confirmation would require a few more hours, according to White.

Costa had undergone surgery just a few weeks before the fight

Late on Sunday night, Costa revealed through social media that he had undergone surgery on his right elbow. A mere five weeks before his scheduled October 21 bout against Chimaev. Costa shared several graphic images of his injury. And disclosed that he had received ten stitches to address the damage in his elbow. Causing widespread concern that his co-headlining fight might be in jeopardy.

In an interview on The MMA Hour, Costa stated that he had spent the past four weeks in Abu Dhabi, acclimating himself for UFC 294. He noted that he had initially undergone a minor medical procedure on his elbow back in Brazil two weeks before flying out for the fight. This procedure was intended to resolve the issue. However, upon arriving in Abu Dhabi and resuming strenuous training, Costa stated that his elbow flared up significantly.

Read More: “Leaves the UAE Forever”- Khamzat Chimaev Asked to Leave His Newly Acquired Citizenship by Team Paulo Costa in a Frightening High Stakes Proposal for UFC 294

He explained that the injury initially appeared as a staph infection. But was eventually diagnosed as a “bursitis infection” by doctors in Abu Dhabi. Immediate surgery was deemed necessary once the doctors understood the severity of the damage to his elbow.

Do you think Costa will step into the cage against Chimaev, and if not, who do you think should replace him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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