The UFC middleweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa is now official.
According to reports, the bout will go ahead on October 21st, 2023, at the Etihad Arena. This would be on the Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira main event.
KHAMZAT RETURNS FOR ABU DHABI
Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev
UFC 294 | October 21 | Abu Dhabi UAEvia @MMAmelotto pic.twitter.com/qyDsySPMBl
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 18, 2023
Chimaev will have his second bout at middleweight. His first fight was a win over Gerald Meerschaert via a knockout in the first round, as Chimaev’s career has been mostly at welterweight.
But in any event, he has not been in the octagon since last year when he emerged victorious over Kevin Holland. And given that he is undefeated, Chimaev will be the favorite.
In contrast, Costa’s last fight was a win over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. Although he was on course to face Ikram Aliskerov, the bout was called off, as Chimaev will now step in.
If Costa does come out victorious, then a rematch with Israel Adesanya could be on the cards.