Usman Advises Chimaev On Costa At Light Heavyweight

Kamaru Usman wants Khamzat Chimaev to abandon his middleweight rematch plans and settle a grudge with Paulo Costa at light heavyweight.

Chimaev dropped a split decision to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in a five-round title fight that went down to the wire. Despite initially telling Dana White he planned to move up a weight class, Chimaev has spent recent weeks demanding a second crack at Strickland and the 185-pound belt.

Usman Sees More Value At 205 Pounds

Usman told Henry Cejudo on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast that Chimaev should make the jump to light heavyweight and target Costa for his first bout there, as MMA Junkie first reported. "What is the point of coming back down to middleweight?" Usman said, per the report. "It's a tough cut for you. Why not move up? Paulo Costa has moved up. That's a heat of a fight. That's a heater still."

Usman noted the light heavyweight title is in limbo with the current champion sidelined, meaning Chimaev could earn a title shot quickly at 205. Costa has already made the move up and looked sharp in his light heavyweight debut. Former champion Jiri Prochazka recently claimed Costa was offered a fight with him but has yet to accept, though Costa denied the UFC mentioned Prochazka's name.

White told reporters a Strickland rematch will depend on fan interest. No second fight has been guaranteed.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Khamzat Chimaev should move up to fight Paulo Costa next, suggests Kamaru Usman: “What is the point of coming back down to middleweight?”