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Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa has suggested that he may make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 297 next year. Known for his intriguing fight style and infectious personality, Costa has remained a captivating figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, leaving fans both enamored and polarized.
Costa's journey as one of the top contenders at middleweight took an unexpected turn when an injury forced him out of his scheduled bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. Since then, speculation has been rife about when the Brazilian powerhouse would grace the Octagon once again.
A recent tweet from Costa has fueled anticipation, hinting at a potential return on January 20, coinciding with the first UFC pay-per-view event of the year. The cryptic message, "Jan 20 [fist and fire emojis]," has left fans speculating about Costa's imminent comeback.
While Costa has teased fans in the past without immediate follow-through, there are signs suggesting that he is on the path to recovery from his previous injury. The UFC 297 event, scheduled to take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, promises a main event clash in the middleweight division, featuring Sean Strickland defending his newly-won belt against Dricus du Plessis.
Although it may initially seem like a distant possibility, there's also speculation that Costa could potentially serve as the backup fighter for the main event. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Costa's participation in UFC 297, leaving fight enthusiasts eagerly awaiting confirmation and the potential return of the Brazilian powerhouse to the Octagon.