Kamaru Usman replaces Paulo Costa against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
After recently revealing a surgically repaired elbow, rumors began to circle that Paulo Costa may be forced to pull out of his UFC 294 co-main event fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
Today the former UFC middleweight title contender confirmed his removal from the Oct. 21 in Abu Dhabi, stating:
“I go resume : I got Staphylococcus bacteria inside my elbow and doctors is pulling me out the Fight.”
I go resume : I got Staphylococcus bacteria inside my elbow and doctors is pulling me out the Fight
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 11, 2023
With Costa out, the UFC sought out the best possible replacement short-notice fight against one of the top-welterweights on the planet.
Who else but former UFC welterweight champion and number one ranked contender, Kamaru Usman, would get the offer? The fight will take place at middleweight, 185-pounds.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the matchup earlier today:
ARE YOU SHITTIN ME?!
Can’t wait to get to Abu Dhabi!!!! @ufc @USMAN84kg @KChimaev @alexvolkanovski @MAKHACHEVMMA #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/AAVPRpXeRI
— danawhite (@danawhite) October 11, 2023
Usman will now meet Chimaev prior to the lightweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski.
UFC 294 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi with a special 2 p.m. ET start time for the pay-per-view.
