In a surprising development, UFC middleweight star Paulo Costa revealed undergoing serious surgery just a few weeks before he returns to action in a massive matchup at UFC 294.
UFC 294 takes place on Oct. 21 in Abu Dhabi and it is one of the more anticipated cards left on the 2023 UFC schedule. The card features many well-known Octagon stars but is led by a pair of highly anticipated matchups. In the main event, the lightweight title will be on the line when champion Islam Makhachev looks to defend his belt for a second time in a rematch against former titlist Charles Oliveira.
Related: Khamzat Chimaev next fight – ‘Borz’ returns to battle Paulo Costa at UFC 294
However, the co-main event will be a fascinating middleweight clash between former title challenger Paulo Costa and ranked welterweight Khamzat Chimaev. The two UFC stars have no love loss for each other and it is a matchup that could potentially create the first contender for new middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
However, there is now an outside chance the fight may not happen or be pushed back. On Monday, the Brazilian took to his Instagram account to reveal he had surgery on his destructive right arm to combat a recent staph infection.
Paulo Costa had major September surgery on his elbow for a staph infection
“I did surgery 3 weeks ago, 10 seams size. But I know how tough I’m and continue improving and overcoming myself,” Costa wrote in the post. “It doesn’t stop me, still doing my things sparrings and everything. I’m so blessed. Gods gave me exceptional condition and surrounded me with great people.”
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It will be interesting to see if “Borrachinha” can make it to fight night or if rumors start to brew in the next two weeks of a possible opponent swap for Chimaev in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 294 takes place on Oct. 21 and will air exclusively on streaming service ESPN+.
