Paulo Costa Triumphs at UFC 318: Post-Fight Interview Highlights
Paulo Costa secured a unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, marking his first win since 2022. In his post-fight interview, he discussed his strategy and called out Khamzat Chimaev for a future bout.
Paulo Costa's Dominant Performance at UFC 318
Paulo Costa delivered a commanding performance at UFC 318 in New Orleans, securing a unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov in the co-main event. The middleweight bout showcased Costa's strategic prowess as he controlled nearly all 15 minutes of the fight. From the opening bell, Costa targeted Kopylov's legs and body with relentless kicks, effectively neutralizing the explosive Russian fighter. A standout moment came in the first round when Costa landed a powerful straight right hand, sending Kopylov's mouthpiece flying across the octagon, a highlight that underscored his dominance in the match.
Judges' Verdict and Career Impact
The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Costa, marking his first win since 2022 against Luke Rockhold. This victory was crucial for Costa, who had faced setbacks with recent losses to Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker. It also represented his first ranked victory since defeating Yoel Romero in August 2019. The win at UFC 318 signifies a potential turning point for Costa, who has struggled to maintain consistency in recent years but demonstrated a renewed focus and effectiveness in this bout.
Post-Fight Reflections with Daniel Cormier
In the octagon interview following the fight, conducted by Daniel Cormier, Costa expressed his satisfaction with the performance, as captured in the video on the UFC YouTube channel. Around the 0:45 mark, he discussed his game plan, emphasizing his intent to control the pace and target specific areas to weaken Kopylov. His confidence was evident as he reflected on the impact of his strikes and his ability to dictate the fight's tempo, showcasing a tactical approach that paid dividends against a formidable opponent.
Calling Out Khamzat Chimaev
At approximately the 2:10 timestamp, Costa shifted focus to his future ambitions, boldly calling out Khamzat Chimaev for a potential showdown. This callout reignites a feud that was initially set to materialize in 2023 but never came to fruition. Costa's challenge was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, highlighting his desire to face top-tier competition and further solidify his standing in the middleweight division. This moment in the interview underscored his readiness to take on significant challenges following this much-needed victory.
