Kamaru Usman officially replaces Paulo Costa, takes on Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
11/10/2023 22:10
Following news of Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira being canceled, there were rumors that Khamzat Chimaev's return to the octagon against Paulo Costa was also being scrapped.
Those reports have now been confirmed but it seems the UFC has landed on its feet with a great replacement for 'Borrachinha'. As reported by Dana White just moments ago, Chimaev will remain the co-main event on October 21 and will now stand across the octagon from Kamaru Usman.
The two have been on a collision course since Usman's time as welterweight champion and 'Borz's time rising through the 170 lbs rankings. They have openly expressed an interest in facing one another someday and Dana White has confirmed that it will finally take place in just 10 days time.
Despite being desperate to still compete, Paulo Costa announced that he had surgery on his elbow just weeks ago and the doctors were unsure whether he'd be able to go ahead with his bout later this month.
The Brazilian claimed the injury that he's recovering from wouldn't stop him from beating Chimaev. For various reasons, Costa has now seen four of his last six bouts canceled and it's unclear when we'll see the promising middleweight in the cage again.
Related: The gruesome-looking elbow injury that ultimately pulled Paulo Costa from UFC 294
Not only is Kamaru Usman taking a short-notice fight against one of the most feared athletes on the roster, but he will also be making his middleweight debut inside the octagon.
Although Khamzat Chimaev now gets to face a man he has been chasing for years as previously mentioned, adjusting to the stylistic change isn't ideal for him. The Russian-born star will be meeting an opponent who can likely match him in all facets of mixed martial arts.
Since linking up with Trevor Wittman, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' has been a savage on the feet which adds to his already elite wrestling pedigree. Similar to Chimaev, the 36-year-old is a man who can dominate fights in both the striking and grappling exchanges, making this a must-watch affair for any fight fan.
