LOS ANGELES – Paulo Costa wants to see more out of Bo Nickal before he gets top names in the UFC middleweight division like Khamzat Chimaev.

Nickal, who at just 3-0 in his MMA career, is gaining a ton of hype in the sport. He’s shooting for the top after receiving a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, calling out the likes of Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and other elite members of the 185-pound hierarchy.

Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), a former UFC title challenger, thinks Nickal is legit, but wants to see more before getting the best.

“The people talk a lot about Bo Nickal here in the United States, but you need to see more,” Costa told MMA Junkie on Friday. “Of course he’s the real deal, he’s a good guy, young guy – very talented. But MMA is so complicated. He needs to prove he can fight the top guys, but not against (Chimaev).”

Costa would prefer to get a fight of his own against Chimaev, but doesn’t believe his rival will move to his weight class, nor fight someone of his caliber.

“I wish that fight,” Costa said. “But I think he will not fight me. He’s ducking. He’s avoiding me, he’s scared as f*ck. He’s calling out Colby Covington right now. I have his hat.”

If Costa can’t secure a bout with Chimaev, he said his top choice would be a showdown with Robert Whittaker (24-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC) at UFC 283 in Brazil on Jan. 21.

“Maybe Whittaker,” Costs said. “January. Doctors say January should be good. This would be amazing I think.”