Kamaru Usman (image via UFC / Twitter)

By FCF Staff

UFC 294 has undergone another, significant change, as Kamaru Usman is replacing Paulo Costa for a battle with Khamzat Chimaev.

Recently, Costa reported that he underwent surgery on his elbow a few weeks ago, but that he intended to still fight at UFC 294. More recently, UFC President Dana White announced that Usman is replacing Costa at the event. Costa also reportedly relayed in a since-deleted social media post that he’s going to need a second procedure on his arm.

Usman (20-3) hasn’t competed since he lost to Leon Edwards for a second time this past March. The former welterweight champ will be moving up to middleweight to face Chimaev (12-0). The latter hasn’t fought since September, 2022, when he submitted Kevin Holland.

The co-main, switch-up, has happened not long after it was announced that Charles Oliveira has dropped out of a fight with lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev, due to incurring a cut in sparring. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who lost via decision to Makhachev earlier this year, has agreed to rematch the latter at UFC 294.

The October 21st card will take place in Abu Dhabi.