Brazilian MMA fighter Costa (16-4) has pivoted away from a highly anticipated matchup against Chen Chimaev. Instead, the fighter is targeting a return to the cage as early as July or August.

A pivot from Chen Chimaev toward a summer timeline

Costa's decision to move away from a clash with Chen Chimaev stems from his assessment of Chimaev's current physical and mental state. as the report states, Costa believes that Chimaev will not be able to recover from his recent defeat in the immediate future. Rather than waiting for a sidelined opponent, Costa is prioritizing active competition during the third quarter of the year.

This shift in strategy suggests a fighter who is more concerned with maintaining momentum than waiting for a marquee name. By targeting a July or August window, Costa is signaling to promoters that he is ready to fight while his own stock remains high following recent performances.

Weight class flexibility from middleweight to heavyweight

To ensure a summer return, Costa has expressed a willingness to compete across a wide variety of weight divisions. He has indicated that he is open to fighting in the following categories:

  • Middleweight
  • Light heavyweight
  • Heavyweight

    • According to the source, this versatility is a tactical move to incrase his chances of securing a bout quickly. While jumping between such vastly different weight classes can present significant physical challenges, Costa's willingness to do so underscores his urgency to get back into the octagon.

    The Murzakanov victory and the Hokit bonus dispute

    Costa's recent career trajectory has been a mix of competitive success and administrative frustration. He recently secured a significant victory by stopping the previously undefeated Murzakanov, a win that bolstered his 16-4 record. however, that success has been overshadowed by a heated dispute regarding his compensation.

    Costa has publicly accused Hokit of robbing him of a performance bonus, adding a layer of tension to his recent outings.. In addition to the financial grievance, Costa has been vocal in his criticism of his opponents, specifically targeting what he perceives as a lack of mental strength in his recent competition. This combative attitude extends to his interest in Perry , whose recent performance against Punahele Soriano has caught Costa's attention.

    The identity of the three potential opponents

    While Costa has promised his fanbase that he has provided three potential opponents for consideration, the full list remains partially obscured. While Perry has been explicitly mentioned as a person of interest following his recent victory, the identities of the other two candidates have not been fully clarified in the current reporting.

    Several questions remain regarding the logistics of Costa's summer campaign. Specifically, it is unclear which of the three opponents Costa prefers most, and the exact details of the bonus dispute with Hokit have not been verified. Furthermore, the source does not specify which weight class Costa intends to prioritize when negotiating these potential new matchups.