Kamaru Usman urges Khamzat Chimaev to move up for fight with Paulo Costa
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Kamaru Usman has called for Khamzat Chimaev to transition to light heavyweight. This suggestion comes after Chimaev recently lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May. Usman proposes that Chimaev should settle his rivalry with Paulo Costa, whose bout with Chimaev was previously cancelled. Despite Costa expressing doubts about facing Chimaev at light heavyweight, Usman believes the matchup would be significant as both fighters aim for championship contention.
- •Khamzat Chimaev lost middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
- •Usman suggests moving Chimaev to light heavyweight.
- •Chimaev and Costa have a history with a cancelled fight.
- •Costa is skeptical about fighting Chimaev at light heavyweight.
- •The light heavyweight title is currently in limbo.
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Kamaru Usman wants Khamzat Chimaev to move up for 'heater' vs. Paulo Costa
"Kamaru Usman thinks it's time for Khamzat Chimaev to jump up to light heavyweight.
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