Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev After Knockout Win at UFC 327

The former middleweight title challenger made a statement in his light heavyweight debut.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:05pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and power of a mixed martial arts fight, with indistinct figures and dissolving forms that convey the emotional intensity of the sport.An explosive, neon-hued illustration captures the raw energy and intensity of the potential matchup between UFC stars Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev.Newark Today

Paulo Costa knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in the third round of their UFC 327 co-main event in Miami. After the fight, Costa called out Khamzat Chimaev, the current UFC middleweight champion, saying he has 'beef' with him and wants to fight him next.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the UFC's top fighters would be a highly anticipated and potentially explosive fight. Costa's move up to light heavyweight and his willingness to fight Chimaev, who has been dominant at middleweight, adds an interesting dynamic to the UFC's talent pool.

The details

In the co-main event of UFC 327 in Miami, Paulo Costa knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov with a head kick in the third round. After the fight, Costa celebrated by chatting with former President Donald Trump, who was cageside. Costa then called out Khamzat Chimaev, the current UFC middleweight champion, saying he has 'beef' with him and wants to fight him next. Costa said he's willing to fight Chimaev at either middleweight or light heavyweight.

  • Paulo Costa knocked out Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on April 12, 2026.
  • Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.

The players

Paulo Costa

A former UFC middleweight title challenger who made his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327, knocking out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion, who has been dominant in his run to the title. Chimaev is scheduled to defend his belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Azamat Murzakanov

A light heavyweight fighter who entered UFC 327 with a perfect 16-0 record, but was knocked out by Paulo Costa in the third round.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who was cageside at UFC 327 and celebrated with Paulo Costa after his knockout win.

Sean Strickland

The UFC middleweight fighter who is scheduled to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the title at UFC 328.

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What they’re saying

“I have a lot of names, but I have beef with [Khamzat] Chimaev. I call him 'Gourmet Chechan'. I'd like to fight him.”

— Paulo Costa

“We can do it here [at light heavyweight]. Whatever the UFC thinks is going to be an exciting fight.”

— Paulo Costa

What’s next

If Khamzat Chimaev successfully defends his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328, a fight between Chimaev and Paulo Costa could become a real possibility at either middleweight or light heavyweight.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between two of the UFC's top fighters, Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev, would be a highly anticipated and exciting fight for fans. Costa's willingness to move up to light heavyweight to face Chimaev adds an interesting dynamic, as Chimaev has been dominant at middleweight.