Paulo Costa and Jan Blachowicz have no reason to fight each other, but they could be on a collision course.
UFC 288 lost its huge co-main event between Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira, and a light heavyweight fight between Costa and Blachowicz is a reasonable replacement. Dariush wanted to remain on the card, possibly against Armen Tsaruykan, but the UFC is exploring other options.
Costa suggested the match against the former light heavyweight champion, and Blachowicz quickly responded, claiming that Costa turned down the fight as soon as it was offered on Blachowicz’s Twitter.
Although a fight between Costa and Blachowicz would be interesting, it is unlikely to happen. This fight is little more than a fantasy with Costa’s new contract and his desire to stay at middleweight.
Paulo Costa would get washed by Jan Blachowicz
It is not surprising that Costa allegedly took his foot off the gas when it came to making this fight. He has been out of competition since November, and although he would be able to make the 205 limit, he would not be in fighting shape. A fight with the dangerous Blachowicz would likely result in a loss and damage his marketability for fights at 185.
Blachowicz recently called out Israel Adesanya for a rematch. At UFC 259, Blachowicz handed Adesanya a one-sided loss in their light heavyweight title fight. The Pole is currently in the title hunt after losing his belt to Glover Teixeira at UFC 267, but he knows that a high-profile bout like Costa and the Adesanya rematch can leapfrog him to a title shot.
As far as Costa is concerned, this should be a blessing in disguise. His size is his best weapon at middleweight, and if the fight were to ever materialize, he would likely get rag-dolled by Blachowicz.
