Paulo Borrachinha ignores his bad phase and plans to challenge his old rival in the UFC: 'It has to happen'

Paulo borrachinha in action in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

At his worst point in his career, Paulo borrachinha needs a win against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 to prove he still belongs among the elite middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) in the Ultimate Fighter. The Brazilian will share the octagon with the promising Russian in the event's co-main event and, despite the critical moment he's going through, already has a defined plan for what comes next.

In an interview with journalist Ariel Helwani, Borrachinha made it clear that, in case of victory over Kopylov, his next dream target is Khamzat Shimaev.

“Chimaev… I want to fight this guy. I want to fight… Whether he wins or loses (against Dricus Du Plessis), I want to fight this son of a bitch. It has to happen. I'm focused on it. And I'm going to call his name. If God gives me this victory (against Kopylov), I'm going to call him and I'm going to pronounce it. I'm going to call this son of a bitch. He needs to fight me,” he said. Paulo borrachinha.

Paulo Borrachinha is going through a bad phase in the UFC

Paulo borrachinha He is a Brazilian standout in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Borrachinha debuted in the UFC in 2017 and, in his first four fights, accumulated four knockouts. In the fifth, he won Yoel romero in a true war inside the octagon, consolidating himself as one of the main names in the division.

Paulo Costa's sixth UFC fight was against Israel adesanya, for the middleweight belt. However, the Brazilian was unable to find the Nigerian inside the cage, was knocked out in the second round and, since then, has never been able to find his good performances again.

In Borrachinha's last five fights, the Brazilian had his arm raised only once, against Luck Rockhold. However, he was defeated by Sean Strickland, Robert whittaker and Marvin Vetori.

Health problem postpones Paulo Borrachinha's return

The highly anticipated middleweight fight between Paulo borrachinha e Roman Kopylov, originally scheduled for the UFC 317, on June 28, was moved to UFC 318, on July 19. The change occurred after the Brazilian contracted a virus that prevented him from competing in the main event of International Fight Week, in Las Vegas (USA).

Khamzat Chimaev faces Dricus Du Plessis for the title at UFC 319

Before accepting or declining the challenge of Paulo borrachinha, Khamzat Shimaev has a more urgent commitment in the octagon. The Chechen is scheduled to fight for the middleweight belt against Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 319, scheduled for August 16th.