A new matchup idea is gaining traction around Khamzat Chimaev after former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo publicly called for a fight with Paulo Costa at a future UFC 3XX card. Cejudo floated the bout on his Pound 4 Pound podcast, arguing that it makes sense now that Chimaev is no longer in an immediate title spot.
The timing matters because both men remain big names in the middleweight mix, and the UFC has shown again and again that bad blood can move a fight from rumor to featured slot fast. Chimaev and Costa have been circling each other for years, with the tension fueled by social media shots, public callouts, and the kind of personal dislike that fans immediately understand.
Cejudo framed it as a perfect fight, pointing to Costa mocking Chimaev after his loss and to the long-running hostility between the two. He also suggested major stakes, saying the winner should move on to a title opportunity at light heavyweight.
From an American fan perspective, this is exactly the kind of booking the UFC can sell without much setup. Chimaev brings chaos, pressure, and a finishing threat every second he is in the cage. Costa brings durability, power, and a willingness to turn every fight week into theater. Even without a belt attached, that is a pay-per-view main card fight with real heat.
The divisional angle is what makes it more than just internet beef. If Chimaev wins, he reasserts himself as a serious contender and quiets questions after his latest setback. If Costa wins, he reminds the division that he is still a factor in the title conversation and not just a name attached to memes and missed opportunities. Stylistically, it is also compelling: Chimaev’s wrestling pressure against Costa’s size and body attack is a genuine test for both men.
For now, it is only a callout from Cejudo, not a signed fight, but it is the kind of matchup that can build momentum quickly if the UFC decides the grudge is worth cashing in on.