“To summarize, I have staphylococcus bacteria in my elbow and the doctors have taken me out of the fight,” the Brazilian wrote on social media. “Unfortunately, I am hospitalized and I have already undergone a second surgery. According to the doctors, a third operation will be needed on Friday. So, for medical reasons, there’s no way I can fight on October 21.”
UFC officials officially announced that the Chechen fighter’s new opponent will be former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and the winner of this fight will get a title shot in the middleweight division.
“The card in Abu Dhabi is still amazing – they can’t say I’m excited, but I am. I’ll be back before the end of 2023,” Costa concluded.
Recall that the middleweight fight between Hamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman will be the second main event of the UFC 294 tournament, which will take place on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.