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Anyone who’s been critical of Paulo Costa having to withdraw from UFC 294 might want to reconsider their stance.
Costa was forced out of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev, which was scheduled for Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, last week after he wasn’t medically cleared to compete due to a staph infection.
The beginning of October was when Costa, who traveled to Abu Dhabi, first revealed he had elbow surgery just weeks before UFC 294, but he remained optimistic that he’d be recovered on time to fight. Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) later revealed that he needed a second surgery.
Now we know the extent of Costa’s infection after his manager and girlfriend, Tamara Alves, on Monday posted a grisly photo to her Instagram Stories of his elbow missing a chunk of skin caused by staph.
As a result of Costa’s withdrawal, Chimaev now meets former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a middleweight bout Saturday at UFC 294. UFC CEO Dana White said the winner will get the next title shot against champ Sean Strickland.
Costa has struggled to make it to the cage this year. He was announced to fight former champ Robert Whittaker in February but disputed that he ever agreed to the fight. Costa’s scheduled fight vs. Ikram Aliskerov on July 29 was scrapped 10 days out.
Costa last competed in August 2022 when he defeated Luke Rockhold in the Fight of the Night at UFC 278.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie