Paulo Costa Challenges Dricus du Plessis: “He’s So Unpredictable!”
Paulo Costa returned to the win column at UFC 318, ending a challenging period in his career with a statement victory over Roman Kopylov. Known for his aggressive fighting style, knockout power, and ability to push the pace, Costa is eager to maintain momentum and position himself for a potential run at the UFC middleweight title. After his recent triumph, the Brazilian fighter now has multiple avenues to consider for his next fight. However, one opponent has captured his attention above all others: former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Costa laid out his vision for the future, making it clear that a showdown with du Plessis is his preferred next step. The South African recently lost his UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago, and Costa sees this as the perfect opportunity to challenge a former champion who has proven himself at the highest level. “Oh my God. Unpredictable. He’s so unpredictable. Yeah, he’s a tough guy. Tough guy to fight, to be honest. Very tough, you know. And Khamzat knew that. That’s why he held him for so long,” Costa said, highlighting the unique challenges that come with facing du Plessis.
Why Dricus du Plessis is the Ideal Next Opponent
Dricus du Plessis represents a fascinating test for Paulo Costa. Not only is he a former UFC middleweight champion, but he also carries a reputation for being highly unpredictable in the octagon. His striking, grappling, and overall versatility make him a challenging opponent for anyone in the division. For Costa, this unpredictability is part of the allure—it offe
Costa has always thrived in high-stakes bouts. His career is defined by dramatic victories and memorable performances, including multiple knockout wins that left fans and analysts in awe. A clash with du Plessis offers him the opportunity to continue that trend, taking on a fighter who has recently held the 185-pound crown and has experience competing at the highest level. By beating the last man to hold the title, Costa can send a clear message to the UFC and the middleweight division: he is back, he is dangerous, and he is ready to contend for another championship opportunity.
Paulo Costa vs. Israel Adesanya: Why the Rematch Takes a Backseat
Interestingly, Paulo Costa’s focus on Dricus du Plessis comes at a time when a rematch with one of his longest-standing rivals, Israel Adesanya, could also be on the table. Costa fought Adesanya in a highly anticipated battle several years ago, and a rematch could generate enormous attention given their history. However, Costa has stated that while a rematch would be intriguing, the timing isn’t ideal. Instead, he is prioritizing a bout with du Plessis due to the immediate value of defeating a recently dethroned champion.
From a strategic standpoint, this makes sense. By targeting du Plessis first, Costa positions himself as a credible contender for future title fights, potentially even against Adesanya or current champion Khamzat Chimaev. In a competitive division where timing, ranking, and momentum are crucial, Costa’s approach reflects careful planning and a calculated desire to rebuild his championship trajectory step by step.
The Tactical Advantage of Fighting a Former Champion
Facing a former champion like Dricus du Plessis offers multiple benefits beyond the immediate challenge of the fight itself. A victory over a fighter of du Plessis’s caliber would dramatically improve Costa’s standing in the middleweight rankings, solidify his reputation as a dangerous contender, and signal to the UFC that he is ready for high-profile matchups.
Moreover, defeating du Plessis could also provide valuable experience against a fighter with championship-level skills and composure under pressure. Costa has been working to refine his game, combining his natural knockout power with improved grappling, defensive strategy, and fight IQ. A bout with du Plessis would test these improvements in a high-stakes environment, providing an important measure of his readiness to compete for another title.
Paulo Costa’s Road to Another Title Shot
Costa’s ultimate goal remains clear: another shot at the UFC middleweight title. With Khamzat Chimaev now holding the belt, the path is competitive but not impossible. By defeating du Plessis, Costa would effectively be taking out a gatekeeper to the top of the division—a former champion who has proven capable of challenging anyone. This would not only enhance his credibility but also create momentum for a future title fight against Chimaev or another elite contender.
The middleweight division has been highly dynamic over the past several years, with multiple champions, emerging contenders, and unexpected upsets. In this context, timing is everything, and Costa’s plan to challenge du Plessis reflects a keen understanding of the landscape. By picking his fights strategically, Costa maximizes the chances of advancing his career while minimizing unnecessary risks that could derail his title aspirations.
Fan Excitement and Marketability
Beyond rankings and strategy, a fight between Paulo Costa and Dricus du Plessis would also generate significant excitement among MMA fans. Both fighters are known for their aggressive, action-oriented styles, meaning that the bout is likely to be entertaining from start to finish. Costa’s fan base is particularly energized by his striking power and willingness to engage in high-paced battles, while du Plessis’s unpredictability adds an element of suspense and intrigue.
For the UFC, promoting such a fight would make commercial sense. High-level matchups featuring former champions and dangerous contenders tend to draw large audiences, pay-per-view buys, and media attention. In addition, a victory for Costa could set up a blockbuster clash with the current champion, creating a narrative that benefits both the fighters and the promotion.
Challenges Costa Will Face
While Costa is confident about the prospect of facing du Plessis, the fight would undoubtedly present challenges. Dricus du Plessis has a well-rounded skill set, including sharp striking, strong grappling, and the ability to adapt quickly mid-fight. Costa will need to leverage his strengths—power, endurance, and aggressive pacing—while also addressing potential vulnerabilities in his game.
Preparation will be key. Costa has historically relied on his raw athleticism and knockout ability, but against a fighter like du Plessis, tactical precision and strategic adaptability will be essential. His coaching team will likely emphasize both physical conditioning and technical refinement to ensure he is ready for the unpredictable elements that du Plessis brings to the octagon.
Looking Ahead
As Paulo Costa looks toward his next fight, all signs point to a potential showdown with Dricus du Plessis. Such a bout represents not just a competitive challenge, but a critical step in Costa’s journey back to the top of the UFC middleweight division. With experience, skill, and power on his side, Costa is confident in his ability to overcome du Plessis’s unpredictability and stake his claim as a serious contender for another title shot.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed fight if this matchup comes to fruition. For Costa, it is more than just another fight—it is an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the elite of the division, capable of facing former champions and challenging the current titleholder.
In the ever-competitive landscape of UFC middleweights, strategy, timing, and performance are everything. By targeting Dricus du Plessis, Paulo Costa is demonstrating a calculated approach to advancing his career while keeping fans on the edge of their seats. A victory over du Plessis could not only restore momentum but also set the stage for another epic battle for the middleweight crown.
Paulo Costa’s journey is far from over, and with a potential fight against Dricus du Plessis on the horizon, the UFC middleweight division is poised for a thrilling chapter that could reshape the path to the championship. Costa’s aggressive mindset, power, and determination make him a formidable contender, and a victory over a former champion would solidify his status as one of the division’s top fighters.
