Reddit MMA · 23 May 2026

Paulo Costa says he wants to be back by July-August and that he doesn’t think it will be against Chimaev. He also mentions 3 possible fights: Josh Hokit, Sean Strickland, and Mike Perry. Who should he fight next?

Before Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr. was announced I would have said Costa needs to fight Ank, but rn I have no idea honestly. I think he should maybe fight somebody in the top 5 at 205 (He won’t get a title shot at 185, him vs. Hokit is stupid, and same with Perry), maybe a Jiri or a Jamahal Hill.