Paulo Borrachinha questions Khamzat Chimaev's success in changing categories: 'It would be tragic'

P. Borrachinha (pictured) comes from a victory against Azamat Murzakanov. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In great form after ending their unbeaten run. Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, Paulo borrachinha He has numerous opportunities for his future in the world's largest MMA organization. Among so many potential opponents, one stands out in particular: Khamzat ShimaevThe current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) has expressed his desire to move up a weight class on several occasions and has a known rival in the Brazilian. However, the fighter from Contagem, Minas Gerais, does not see the confrontation in a positive light for the Chechen. He spoke about the subject in an interview with 'Submission Radio' last Thursday (23).

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According to Borrachinha, the adaptation to the light heavyweight category (up to 93 kg) was so successful that he became an even greater threat to the Chechen. Although he didn't go into details, the fighter guaranteed that he is a nightmare for Borz, who is undefeated as a professional, just as Murzakanov was.

"I just hope he comes in at 93 kg. I'll be here with open arms, waiting for him. 93 kg will be even worse for him. At 93 kg, I'm a monster – I don't need to burn any muscle. It will be tragic for him," said the Brazilian.

“It's going to be tragic for him” – Paulo Costa believes Khamzat Shimaev moving to 205 will make things even worse for him 👀😲

"I just wish he comes to 205. I'm going to be here with my arms open, waiting for him. 205 is going to be even worse for him. At 205, I'm a monster – I… pic.twitter.com/y4rCGlG8Kq

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 24, 2026

Despite being at different stages of their lives, the two have come very close to facing each other. They were scheduled to test their strength in... UFC 294Paulo ended up withdrawing from the card after contracting a staph bacterial infection in his elbow, which is very common among grappling athletes.

Before Borrachinha, Chimaev has another challenge.

Khamzat Shimaev with a pet wolf. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khamzat_chimaev

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Although a fight against the Brazilian is something both athletes desire, Chimaev will have an important challenge before he can share the octagon with the Brazilian. The champion defends his middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) for the first time against... Sean Strickland in the main fight of UFC 328, in a confrontation also full of rivalry. The American, who knocked out anthony hernandez In his last performance, he also won. Paulo borrachinha in the penultimate fight of the fighter from Minas Gerais in the category.