Paulo Costa places ultimate vote of confidence in Strickland to beat Chimaev once more

Paulo Costa not backing Khamzat Chimaev to win a rematch with Sean Strickland

Paulo Costa doesn’t see Khamzat Chimaev getting revenge any time soon.

Chimaev’s undefeated record is gone after UFC 328 earlier this month, where he lost the main event at the Prudential Center in Newark.

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The loss came against Sean Strickland, who took the middleweight belt off Chimaev and became a two-division champion in the process.

There’s talk of a rematch for Strickland’s first title defence, but Costa doesn’t think the result would change if they ran it back.

Paulo Costa says rematch with Sean Strickland would go ‘even worse’ for Khamzat Chimaev

Chimaev’s team has pointed to a tough weight cut as the reason for his loss in New Jersey. Despite that, and Nassourdine Imavov making a strong case for a title shot, Chimaev hasn’t stopped calling for a rematch with Strickland.

Costa, who’s had issues with Chimaev in the past, was asked about it during an appearance on Submission Radio and didn’t hold back on his thoughts.

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“I think it’s gonna be even worse for Chimaev,” Costa said. “Strickland is gonna beat him easier than he did. Strickland can be well prepared for the situation.

“People saying Khamzat was sick, he was bad. They’re trying to discredit Strickland,” he added.

The Brazilian went on to dismiss the idea that injuries or illnesses played a role in how their first fight played out.

Khamzat Chimaev’s call for a rematch with Sean Strickland has received a response from UFC boss Dana White

Sean Strickland’s future plans haven’t been confirmed yet, but Dana White has already spoken out about Chimaev’s push for a second meeting.

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During an appearance on The Bret Boone Podcast, the UFC president appeared to cast doubt on Chimaev getting another title shot right away.

White said: “Khamzat, right now, is asking for the rematch with Strickland. That’s what he wants. We don’t know what we’re gonna do yet.”

“Strickland will fight anybody,” he added.

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