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Paulo Costa had quite an eventful fight week experience this past week. The former middleweight contender arrived at the UFC Apex overweight and unable to cut down to the 185-lbs limit. As a result, the UFC changed the originally scheduled middleweight bout to a light heavyweight bout (205 lbs).
The change in weight infuriated Costa's opponent Marvin Vettori, who agreed to the new contracted weight nonetheless.
Even though there were many issues in the leadup, the fight itself was incredible. Both Costa and Vettori put on a great battle that resulted in Vettori earning the unanimous decision.
Costa looked great when he fought Vettori at light heavyweight and the move could be great for his MMA career. Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson is an example of a fighter that ended up benefiting from fighting at a more natural weight class. Costa could do the same now that he won't have to deal with the added pressure of cutting to 185 lbs.
Although 'Borrachinha' expressed a desire to remain at middleweight, Dana White did not share the same sentiment. White mentioned during his post-event press conference that Costa would be competing at light heavyweight from now on.
If Dana White remains true to his word, it would make sense to look at five possible opponents for Paulo Costa at light heavyweight.
#5. Paulo Costa vs. Volkan Oezdemir
An opponent that would make sense for Paulo Costa's next light heavyweight bout is former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. 'No Time' is currently placed eighth in the division after his two-fight win streak was snapped by No.2-ranked Jiri Prochazka.
Oezdemir is scheduled to compete on this Saturday's UFC Fight Night card against Magomed Ankalaev. Regardless of the result, it would make the most sense if Oezdemir's next bout was against Costa. Considering the Brazilian was the No.2-ranked middleweight ahead of his bout with Vettori, he should get a top-10 opponent next.
A bout with Oezdemir would be a great indicator of where Costa stands in the light heavyweight division. With a win, Paulo Costa could make a statement in the division: he should be taken seriously.
#4. Paulo Costa vs. Johnny Walker
Another opponent in the light heavyweight division that would make sense for Paulo Costa is Johnny Walker. Since making his UFC debut, Walker has been one of the most entertaining fighters in the division and a fan favorite.
Walker's unorthodox striking could problem Costa if he's not prepared. Walker could take a similar approach to what Israel Adesanya had when he fought Costa. Even though Walker has been up-and-down with his performances, he's still the No.10-ranked light heavyweight and a tough test for Costa. It would be interesting to see whether Costa has learned from past mistakes against Adesanya and made improvements.
If Paulo Costa is looking to work his way up the light heavyweight ranks, then fighting Walker would be ideal. A win over Walker would surely put Costa in the top ten and perhaps set up a fight with somebody higher up the ladder.
#3. Paulo Costa vs. Dominick Reyes
A great opponent for Paulo Costa at light heavyweight is former title challenger Dominick Reyes. It would make sense if the UFC booked a Costa-Reyes fight because both are on a losing streak. Costa is currently on a two-fight skid, with defeats against Marvin Vettori and UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
Reyes, on the other hand, has now lost three in a row. The Mexican-American has not looked the same since his loss to then-light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. He picked up back-to-back defeats against reigning light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka.
It's important to note that many thought Reyes should have won the decision against Jon Jones. In the losses that followed, Reyes was defeated by Blachowicz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship and then lost to No.2-ranked Jiri Prochazka.
Reyes is another striker in the division who would make for an entertaining bout with Costa. An area that Costa could take advantage of is Reyes' durability. If his bout with Vettori is any indicator, Costa could maintain the same pace for five full rounds. If Costa vs. Reyes is a main-event bout, the Brazilian may have the advantage.
#2. Paulo Costa vs. Thiago Santos
If Paulo Costa is successful in his light heavyweight bouts, former title challenger Thiago Santos could be a possible opponent. Similar to Costa, Santos moved up from middleweight to light heavyweight.
Santos initially moved up to light heavyweight as a replacement and as a way to remain active. Santos defeated Eryk Anders by TKO and made his move to 205 lbs permanent. The change paid dividends as he earned KO/TKO wins over Jimi Manuwa and current light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. Both wins earned Santos a title-shot against then-champion Jon Jones, where he lost a split decision.
Santos is another example of what Costa has the potential to accomplish competing in his more natural weight class. Paulo Costa vs. Thiago Santos would be a hard-hitting affair and has Fight of the Night written all over it.
#1. Paulo Costa vs. Anthony Smith
Topping this list of possible opponents for Paulo Costa at light heavyweight is former title challenger Anthony Smith. Although 'Lionheart' is currently in the mix for another title shot, a future bout with Costa at 205 lbs shouldn't be ruled out.
Smith's rise up the light heavyweight ranks saw him defeat former champions Rashad Evans and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua. He also beat former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. Smith's victories earned him a title shot against then-champion Jon Jones, but he was defeated in a one-sided unanimous decision.
After defeating perennial contender Alexander Gustafsson, Smith suffered back-to-back losses. He has since turned things around and is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
Paulo Costa vs. Smith would be intriguing because the American is a very well-rounded fighter who possesses a threat to 'Borrachinha' in the grappling department. Smith's 14 wins by submission are almost as many as his 20 wins by knockout.
