Paulo Costa vanquished the previously undefeated Azamat
Murzakanov at UFC 327. | Getty/UFC
There’s been a theme to Paulo
Costa’s recent victories in the
UFC.
After an impressive knockout over Azamat
Murzakanov in the UFC 327
co-main event, his second victory over a Russian opponent in 10
months (he also defeated Roman
Kopylov at UFC 318), Costa revealed to Ag.Fight’s Diego Ribas
that he would love to face a third “Russian” next.
“Two Russians, two southpaws in a row, and I would be glad if UFC
had a third one to offer me,” Costa said in a video interview.
“[Khamzat] Chimaev. Actually he is a Gourmet Chechen, not Russian.
But it doesn’t matter. The UFC knows how much I want to face
him.”
When asked about his post-fight conversation with U.S. President
Donalt Trump, Costa said it was a private talk about a “friend in
common” — likely former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro or his
son, Flavio Bolsonaro, who will be running in next national
president election against current president Lulas da Silva.
According with the last poll, Bolsonaro and da Silva are
technically tied.
When a Plan Comes Together
Costa also talked about the importance of the game plan designed by
his trainers.
“My trainers studied every step of Azamat. We trained so hard for
the last three months. If you see the videos of our backstage
warmup you will see that we were expecting everything he did. Our
main goal was not to brawl but follow the tactics and hit him
without getting hit,” Costa said.
The Brazilian standout revealed that he has one fight remaining on
his current UFC contract and hopes to receive a title shot next.
Whether that comes at 205 pounds, where he was victorious at UFC
327, or at middleweight, where he previously fought, is not
important.
“Either one,” Costa said.