Paulo Costa lobbies Dana White for title fight with Dricus du Plessis after UFC 297: ‘Give me him, papa’

Paulo Costa Dricus Du PlessisPaulo Costa is interested in a fight with Dricus Du Plessis, and he recently let it be known. Becoming…

Paulo Costa Dricus Du Plessis

Paulo Costa is interested in a fight with Dricus Du Plessis, and he recently let it be known.

Becoming the first-ever South African UFC champion, Du Plessis made history at UFC 297 with his decision victory over Sean Strickland. After the judges’ scorecards were announced, ‘Stillknocks’ could barely contain himself due to overwhelming joy at his achievement.

While the new South African champion didn’t mention Paulo Costa, that didn’t stop ‘Borrachina’ from attempting to get his name into the fray. Taking to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, ‘Borrachina’ retweeted a post of Dana White attempting to place the belt on Du Plessis after the scorecards were read. “Give me him Papa,” Costa wrote.

Fans Troll Paulo Costa after Dricus Du Plessis Call Out

While Costa’s callout of Du Plessis could’ve just been an attempt to keep his own name relevant, fans were not having it. “Wasn’t your last fight in 2017?” One fan joked.

“Breaking: Paulo Costa has pulled out of his DDP callout,” another laughed.

“You can’t fight for a title with one win in the last two years,” scoffed another.

So, it seems obvious that Costa has left fans wanting more. ‘Borrachina’ has had a career riddled with fight cancellations, and it’s left a lot to be desired. For a fighter so talented, with such a colorful personality, fans just want to see him perform more. Costa probably despises the amount of times a fight of his has been called off, but sometimes things are beyond control.

With a confirmed bout with Robert Whittaker at UFC 298, fans may finally get their chance to see ‘Borrachina’ back in action. With a win over the former champion Whittaker, his callout of Du Plessis would always carry a lot more weight.

Do you think Paulo Costa will ever fight twice in a single year again?

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa in UFC 298 grudge fight in March

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298Finally expected to make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 298 in March, former undisputed middleweight champion,…

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

Finally expected to make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 298 in March, former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker is hotly-closing as a short betting favorite to beat former title challenger, Paulo Costa in their grudge fight.

Whittaker, a former undisputed middleweight titleholder, and current number three ranked divisional contender, has been sidelined since he featured on the main card of UFC 290 back in July of last year during International Fight Week, suffering a shocking second round TKO loss to incoming UFC 297 headliner, Dricus du Plessis.

As for Belo Horizonte native, Costa, the former title chaser and current number six ranked challenger, has yet to feature in the Octagon since 2022, most recently beating former undisputed middleweight kingpin, Luke Rockhold in a unanimous decision effort, snapping his two-fight losing skid.

And following a host of fight fallouts – namely against the above-mentioned, Whittaker, Brazilian favorite, Costa is set to fight at UFC 298, however, is closing as a betting underdog. 

Robert Whittaker betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

And if you’re planning on betting on the -185 betting favorite, Robert Whittaker – you can find a detailed review by the Hudson Journal on betting in Australia, where the former champion has headlined in on multiple ocassions. 

Closing as a betting underdog – drawing odds of +154 ahead of his scheduled return to the Octagon, Costa was initially expected to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 294 back in February of last year ‘Down Under’, however, failed to pen official bout agreements for a middleweight clash.

And slated to then compete against unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 back in October of last year in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Costa withdrew from the bout with the Chechen rival due to a nasty bursitis infection in his elbow – which required multiple surgery procedures in order to address.

Without a victory since the premier UFC Fight Night Paris card back in 2022, Robert Whittaker’s most recent win came in the form of a unanimous decision shutout victory over common-foe and former title chaser, Marvin Vettori in a trip to France.

Promoted to the undisputed middleweight titleholder following the official vacating of former two-weight gold holder, Georges St-Pierre, Whittaker turned in a pair of memorable wins over veteran fan-favorite,Yoel Romero during the Cuban powerhouse’s pomp.

Also set for an eye-catching UFC 298 card, undisputed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski headlines in a title fight against unbeaten Georgian contender, Ilia Topuria in the promotion’s return to Anaheim, California. 

Furthermore, a potential bantamweight title eliminator is on deck as former two-weight champion and Olympic gold medal winner, Henry Cejudo returns in a clash with another Georgian talent, the streaking, Merab Dvalishvili. 

Attempting to earn a bantamweight title fight, the pair are sure to have a keen eye on the main event of UFC 299 in April, as polarizing star, Sean O’Malley takes on Ecuadorian favorite, Marlon Vera in his first attempted defense of the bantamweight crown – as the two share the Octagon for the second time since a 2020 grudge match. 

Who wins in the UFC 298 grudge fight: Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa?

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa in UFC 298 grudge fight in March

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298Finally expected to make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 298 in March, former undisputed middleweight champion,…

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

Finally expected to make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 298 in March, former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker is hotly-closing as a short betting favorite to beat former title challenger, Paulo Costa in their grudge fight.

Whittaker, a former undisputed middleweight titleholder, and current number three ranked divisional contender, has been sidelined since he featured on the main card of UFC 290 back in July of last year during International Fight Week, suffering a shocking second round TKO loss to incoming UFC 297 headliner, Dricus du Plessis.

As for Belo Horizonte native, Costa, the former title chaser and current number six ranked challenger, has yet to feature in the Octagon since 2022, most recently beating former undisputed middleweight kingpin, Luke Rockhold in a unanimous decision effort, snapping his two-fight losing skid.

And following a host of fight fallouts – namely against the above-mentioned, Whittaker, Brazilian favorite, Costa is set to fight at UFC 298, however, is closing as a betting underdog. 

Robert Whittaker betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

And if you’re planning on betting on the -185 betting favorite, Robert Whittaker – you can find a detailed review by the Hudson Journal on betting in Australia, where the former champion has headlined in on multiple ocassions. 

Closing as a betting underdog – drawing odds of +154 ahead of his scheduled return to the Octagon, Costa was initially expected to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 294 back in February of last year ‘Down Under’, however, failed to pen official bout agreements for a middleweight clash.

And slated to then compete against unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 back in October of last year in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Costa withdrew from the bout with the Chechen rival due to a nasty bursitis infection in his elbow – which required multiple surgery procedures in order to address.

Without a victory since the premier UFC Fight Night Paris card back in 2022, Robert Whittaker’s most recent win came in the form of a unanimous decision shutout victory over common-foe and former title chaser, Marvin Vettori in a trip to France.

Promoted to the undisputed middleweight titleholder following the official vacating of former two-weight gold holder, Georges St-Pierre, Whittaker turned in a pair of memorable wins over veteran fan-favorite,Yoel Romero during the Cuban powerhouse’s pomp.

Also set for an eye-catching UFC 298 card, undisputed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski headlines in a title fight against unbeaten Georgian contender, Ilia Topuria in the promotion’s return to Anaheim, California. 

Furthermore, a potential bantamweight title eliminator is on deck as former two-weight champion and Olympic gold medal winner, Henry Cejudo returns in a clash with another Georgian talent, the streaking, Merab Dvalishvili. 

Attempting to earn a bantamweight title fight, the pair are sure to have a keen eye on the main event of UFC 299 in April, as polarizing star, Sean O’Malley takes on Ecuadorian favorite, Marlon Vera in his first attempted defense of the bantamweight crown – as the two share the Octagon for the second time since a 2020 grudge match. 

Who wins in the UFC 298 grudge fight: Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa?

Chris Weidman offers to step in against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in place of Paulo Costa

chris weidmanFormer UFC middleweight Chris Weidman offers to step in for Paulo Costa and take on Khamzat Chimaev on short…

chris weidman

Former UFC middleweight Chris Weidman offers to step in for Paulo Costa and take on Khamzat Chimaev on short notice. 

Come fight night, the UFC 294 card is set to look considerably different to than it did just at the beginning of the week. Charles Oliveira is out of his fight with Islam Makhachev and will be replaced by Alexander Volkanovski. 

Now it seems that Costa will be replaced in his co-main slot against Chimaev after the Brazilian announced that had surgery on his elbow just a few weeks ago.

“Yeah, it’s possible,” White said of the fight falling through. “Hopefully in a couple hours I’ll have an answer for you.

“We’re talking to a couple of people right now.” 

If Costa is to be pulled out of the Chimaev bout, it would mark yet another cancelled fight, which is unfortunate considering his fun and explosive fighting style

Chris Weidman calls for matchup 

While finding an opponent for Chimaev on just 10 days notice, and considering the fight being all the way in Abu Dhabi, there will be someone brave enough. Going through the top-15 there isn’t a whole lot of names that could realistically take the fight considering injuries, bookings and individual situations. 

However, Chris Weidman threw his name his name into contention, and really that’s no shock considering the gameness of the 39-year-old. ‘The All-American’ has taken on the best if the best since entering the UFC at just 6-0.

I’d be down for that fight with Chimaev”, Weidman Tweeted following the news of a potential Costa pull out.

Weidman is at the end of the career and has just come back after a horrific leg break. The former 185lb king has also began to take more loses as of late, but was incredible during his prime. 

Should Chris Weidman be sent in to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 296?

Paulo Costa Lobbies for Middleweight Clash with Conor McGregor: ‘Chandler can’t fight at 185’

Paulo Costa and Conor McGregorPaulo Costa believes he would make a better opponent for Conor McGregor than Michael Chandler. After struggling at times…

Paulo Costa and Conor McGregor

Paulo Costa believes he would make a better opponent for Conor McGregor than Michael Chandler.

After struggling at times to make the middleweight limit of 185 pounds, Costa likely never thought he would find himself with an opportunity to share the Octagon with the former featherweight and lightweight world champion, but here we are. On New Year’s Day, McGregor revealed that his long-awaited return to action would come on June 29 as part of the promotion’s annual International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

However, the most interesting part of his announcement was the Irishman’s claim that his quote-unquote “greatest comeback in combat sport’s history” would be at middleweight.

Taking to social media, Costa immediately entered his name into the Conor McGregor sweepstakes and even joked that he would be stepping in to replace Chandler. As it turns out, ‘The Eraser’ was way more serious than we initially thought.

“I think so, honestly,” Costa said on The MMA Hour, regarding a potential fight with McGregor. “I think this can happen, but we’re gonna fight in some way.”

Paulo Costa heaps praise on Conor McGregor

Continuing, Costa had nothing, but positive things to say about McGregor and shared why he believes a matchup between himself and the Irishman would be far more entertaining than the one being proposed.

“He’s moving up, and we don’t have too much middleweight guys right now,” Costa continued. “I think my style and his style is a good matchup. I think he’s huge, strong, good guy. He’s an exceptional fighter, I think. One of the best of all time.

“Chandler can’t fight at 185, I don’t think so. There is better matchups to McGregor at 185 than Michael Chandler.”

Having started his career at featherweight, jumping to lightweight, and dabbling in welterweight, the idea of Conor McGregor competing at middleweight is almost ludicrous. So much so that fighters and fans alike were immediately skeptical, suggesting ‘Mystic Mac’ was just playing with his prey.

Costa, on the other hand, believes McGregor is 100 percent serious about his middleweight move, and ‘Borrachinha’ is more than convinced that the Irishman can pull it off.

“I think he can [fight at middleweight]. I think he’s serious,” Costa said of McGregor. “He’s so confident on his skills and I think he can. Maybe he makes some jokes. You know? Maybe welterweight is the best for him” (h/t MiddleEasy).

Costa is expected to make his return on February 17 when he steps inside the Octagon at UFC 298 for a showdown with former middleweight world champion Robert Whittaker.

Paulo Costa determined to make ‘Dream Fight’ against Khamzat Chimaev a reality: ‘It Has to Happen’

Paulo Costa and Khamzat ChimaevThough he’s already scheduled for a scrap with Robert Whittaker on February 17, Paulo Costa has high hopes that…

Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev

Though he’s already scheduled for a scrap with Robert Whittaker on February 17, Paulo Costa has high hopes that he’ll share the Octagon with Khamzat Chimaev in 2024.

Costa and Chimaev have been looking to settle their rivalry inside the cage for some time. They nearly did just that in October when they were scheduled to square off as part of the promotion’s return to Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, Costa was forced to withdraw from the contest after developing an infection in his elbow that required multiple surgeries to repair.

Chimaev went on to earn a majority decision against late-notice replacement Kamaru Usman while Costa has moved on to a meeting with Robert Whittaker, scheduled for UFC 298 next month.

Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘The Eraser’ shared some insight as to why he opted to accept a fight with Whittaker rather than attempting to rebook his long-awaited meeting with the undefeated Chechen monster.

“I was trying to fight Gourmet Chen Chen — Chimaev,” Costa said. “I was trying. Since I could not fight, and he fought against Kamaru — he won, but he didn’t convince anyone I don’t think, me and the people I talk with, at least, and most of the fans I don’t think. I was not convinced he’s the guy, No. 1 contender. So I keep trying that fight, pushing for that fight. ‘OK guys, let’s make this fight happen,’ and what Hunter and the UFC guys said he’s not going to fight until June or July or something like that. …

“So then I needed to move. They said, ‘We have Whittaker.’ I said OK, let’s go” (h/t MMA Fighting).

Though he has an incredibly tough test against ‘The Reaper’ closing in, Paulo Costa still has his sights firmly set on throwing hands with Chimaev, preferably with the UFC middleweight title up for grabs.

“My dream fight is for the belt against Chen Chen,” Costa said. “I have no question about one fight, one matchup against Chimaev. I can bet everything on me. I’m so confident in that fight.

“This should happen, it has to happen. But they cannot force [him]. You don’t know how much everybody from the UFC forced, they actually forced Khamzat to fight me in Abu Dhabi. He [turned is down] three times last year. They put him in the corner and said, ‘OK, so you’re going to fight no one if you don’t fight Paulo.’ They made him a very good contract, like $2 million, to sign this deal. But Allah saved him. God saved him, just for now.”

Costa’s return to the Octagon will be his first fight since a bizarrely entertaining tussle with former middleweight titleholder Luke Rockhold in August 2022. Since then, Costa has seen three fights fall through for varying reasons.

Here’s to hoping that we’ll actually see ‘Borrachinha’ make the walk in a few short weeks.