P. Borrachinha (pictured) comes from a victory against Azamat Murzakanov . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In great form after ending Azamat Murzakanov 's undefeated streak at UFC 327, Paulo Borrachinha has several opportunities for his future in the world's largest MMA organization. Among so many possible opponents, one stands out in particular: Khamzat Chimaev . The current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) has expressed his desire to move up a weight class on several occasions and has a known rivalry with the Brazilian. However, the fighter from Contagem, Minas Gerais, does not see the confrontation in a positive light for the Chechen. He spoke about the subject in an interview with 'Submission Radio' last Thursday (23).
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According to Borrachinha, the adaptation to the light heavyweight category (up to 93 kg) was so successful that he became an even greater threat to the Chechen. Although he didn't go into details, the fighter guaranteed that he is a nightmare for Borz, who is undefeated as a professional, just as Murzakanov was.
"I just hope he comes in at 93 kg. I'll be here with open arms, waiting for him. 93 kg will be even worse for him. At 93 kg, I'm a monster – I don't need to burn any muscle. It will be tragic for him," said the Brazilian.
“It's going to be tragic for him” – Paulo Costa believes Khamzat Chimaev moving to 205 will make things even worse for him 👀😲
"I just wish he comes to 205. I'm going to be here with my arms open, waiting for him. 205 is going to be even worse for him. At 205, I'm a monster – I… pic.twitter.com/y4rCGlG8Kq
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 24, 2026
Despite being in different situations, the two have come very close to facing each other. Scheduled to clash at UFC 294 , Paulo ended up withdrawing from the card after contracting a staph bacterial infection in his elbow, which is very common among grappling athletes.
Before Borrachinha, Chimaev has another challenge.
Although a fight against the Brazilian is something both athletes desire, Chimaev will have an important challenge before he can share the octagon with the Brazilian. The champion defends his middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) for the first time against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 , in a fight also full of rivalry. The American, who knocked out Anthony Hernandez in his last performance, also defeated Paulo Borrachinha in the latter's penultimate fight in the category.
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