The co-main event slot at UFC 294, scheduled for October 21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, opposite Khamzat Chimaev, is currently occupied by Paulo Costa. However, the status of this fight remains uncertain, pending the condition of Costa’s elbow.
The event has already seen disruptions with the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira withdrawing from the main event, a title rematch against Islam Makhachev. In his place, featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski has been named to headline the card in a rematch of their previous encounter at UFC 284.
Paulo Costa, currently in Abu Dhabi for approximately 50 days, had his left elbow drained in Brazil before his departure. He has been in communication with the UFC regarding his elbow issue. Recently, Costa shared images of his elbow, raising concerns that his wound may have become infected, potentially with a staph infection. While he has continued with training and cardio, he has refrained from using his right hand for striking. It’s important to note that training environments are conducive to staph infections, especially if the drained elbow area becomes compromised, which is not uncommon.
When asked at the Contender Series post-fight news conference on Tuesday if the Chimaev-Costa fight could be canceled, UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the possibility.
As of now, the UFC has not sought a replacement for Costa, as he is still officially in the fight. However, this could change rapidly should medical tests confirm the presence of a staph infection.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, an ESPN MMA analyst, released a video on Instagram implying that he might be aware of who the UFC is considering as a replacement for Costa, if necessary. Speculation has arisen that the potential replacement could be either former champions Kamaru Usman or Israel Adesanya.
It’s highly unlikely that the UFC will approach Adesanya for this bout, given his recent loss and the desire to let him rest. While nothing is impossible, it seems improbable that Adesanya would be chosen for the fight.
The speculation regarding Usman’s candidacy increased due to a video shared by his friend and teammate, Gilbert Burns, hinting at his preparation for a Chimaev bout. The UFC would be interested in Usman as a replacement for Costa, but he’s not the sole option. Other potential replacements include former champion Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier, and Dricus du Plessis, who previously defeated Whittaker at UFC 290.
Usman has previously competed at middleweight and is no longer restricted by his friendship with Adesanya, as Strickland currently holds the middleweight title. Therefore, Usman might be interested in the Chimaev fight if Costa is unable to participate, as a victory could potentially propel him toward a middleweight title shot.
The final decision will depend on Costa’s health. The UFC management will be monitoring his condition and simultaneously assessing the willingness of fighters like Usman, Whittaker, du Plessis, and Cannonier to step in should Costa be unable to compete.
The situation remains fluid and subject to change as Costa’s arm continues to heal.
Paulo Costa
Paulo Costa, born on April 21, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, is a renowned mixed martial artist known for his powerful striking and aggressive fighting style. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and competing in the middleweight division, Costa has earned a reputation as a formidable force in the UFC.
Costa, often referred to as “The Eraser” due to his knockout power, began his professional MMA career in 2012. He quickly climbed the ranks with an undefeated streak, showcasing his striking prowess and relentless determination.
One of the notable aspects of Paulo Costa’s career is his rivalry with fellow middleweight contender Israel Adesanya, which led to a high-stakes championship bout in 2020. While Costa didn’t secure the title, his exciting fights and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite in the world of MMA.
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