When ex-UFC fighter turned in-studio analyst Alan Jouban learned about Paulo Costa’s recent elbow injury and surgery he knew exactly what it was, because he’d went through the same thing himself.
And with that in mind Jouban took to social media yesterday to voice his concerns about Costa’s plan to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, by which time he’ll be just five weeks removed from that surgery.
“Did Costa say what that surgery was from?” Jouban asked on Twitter. “Because it looks like bursitis where they removed it. I’ve got the same scar. And I tried coming back too soon and opened the whole thing up and had to have it re-stitched three weeks later.”
As it happens Jouban then got a response directly from Costa, who confirmed his diagnosis was correct.
“Yes same brother unfortunately,” Costa replied.
Despite the concerns, Costa continues to insist that he’ll still be able to fight Chimaev on October 21st in Abu Dhabi.
“I just came to let the fans know I’m ready to fight,” Costa said on The MMA Hour show. “I didn’t ask UFC nothing. The UFC is doing their job, a very good job, and they’ve supported me a lot. They didn’t mention any plan to remove me from this fight.”
So as things stand UFC 294’s co-main event remains intact, but it remains to be seen whether that will continue to be the case as fight night draws closer.
Did Costa say what that surgery was from? Because it looks like bursitis where they removed it. I’ve got the same scar. And I tried coming back too soon and opened the whole thing up and had to have it re-stitched three weeks later. pic.twitter.com/gAXphINM2s
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) October 9, 2023
