Khamzat Chimaev is all set to end his hiatus in October. The undefeated fighter has dominated and stopped all opponents he has faced in the UFC so far except Gilbert Burns, who took him to the judges’ scorecard at UFC 273. One of the hottest attractions in the UFC right now, Chimaev will face Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in October. The two have a long-standing feud on social media and fans can expect fireworks when the cage door locks behind them. However, a former UFC veteran and multiple-time MMA champion believes the Brazilian has one advantage over the Chechen ‘Wolf.’

Dana White had recently revealed in an interview that the 29-year-old was the fighter fans wanted to see in action most, after Conor McGregor. Part of his popularity is that the Chechen has no qualms about leaning into the role of the villain. He once screamed at Joe Rogan in a post-fight octagon interview that he would “kill them all”. All these are reasons why fans are eagerly waiting for him to return to the octagon after a year. And, it seems they got their wish as he will be returning to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294. Now, even Diaz’s teammate and former UFC fighter Jake Shields has made his predictions for the fight as well.

Jake Shields picks winner for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa

Shields was asked for his thoughts on the fight. The American stated that he was firmly in Costa’s camp, but pointed out that Chimaev was a formidable opponent. He also recalled nearly getting in a brawl with the Chechen after a heated verbal brawl broke out between Chimaev and Costa last year.

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“Man that’s a great fight, especially considering, you know the bad blood they had, you know. I got caught in the middle of some of that almost got in a brawl with Paulo and him. I’m obviously strongly on Paulo’s side. I think he’ll win but again that’s a really tough fight. I think Chimaev is like really dangerous and he goes out there and he kind of bullies people,” Shields said.

Despite acknowledging the challenge Chimaev presented, the former Strikeforce champion devised ways how Costa could have the upper hand in the co-main event in Abu Dhabi.

Shields reveals how Costa can prevail at UFC 294

The former title contender also said that ‘Borrachinha’ will increase his chances of a victory if he can weather the initial onslaught from Chimaev early in the fight. He stated that the Swedish national came out aggressive in the first round.

“I think Paulo, if he can he can get through that first round because he comes out there so so aggressive. But I think he gets to the first round I think he can break him a little bit mentally. I think Paulo can start picking him apart,” he said.

Khamzat Chimaev Drops Bizarre Promise for Paulo Costa Days After Dana White’s Massive UFC 294 Abu Dhabi Confirmation

He thought that after the first round, Costa would have the ability to affect Chimaev mentally, and subsequently pick him apart. While most people are picking Khamzat Chimaev to win the fight, Shields is picking Costa.

Do you agree with him? Can the Brazilian powerhouse derail the Swedish hype train? Let us know in the comments below.

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