Ah, the life of a fighter, right? It’s like being stuck at a crossroads, constantly. Do you adapt and evolve, or do you risk fading into obscurity? Some aim for a fatter paycheck, others crave the spotlight, and a few seek tougher challenges.
Now, let’s talk Paulo Costa. The guy flipped the script completely. He dove headfirst into social media, churning out content that’s as entertaining as a cat video marathon. He’s got this knack for picking topics that get people talking, then lights the fuse with his humor. It’s no wonder he’s turned into a fan favorite over on X.
But it’s not all memes and tweets for Costa. Remember his clash with Luke Rockhold at UFC 278? That was him getting back on the win track. Before that, fights with Robert Whittaker, Ikram Aliskerov, and Khamzat Chimaev were on the cards, but none panned out. So, his fight record for 2023? Zilch.
“Borrachinha” is eyeing a comeback, though. He’s set to square off with Robert Whittaker again, this time at UFC 298 on Feb. 17, 2024. Before that showdown, here are five nuggets about Costa you might not know.
First up, his entry into martial arts. It was all thanks to his big bro, Carlos Costa, a former fighter himself. Paulo was just a kid when he started training in muay thai, steering clear of street brawls and shaping up his discipline.
Tragedy struck when he was 17. His dad lost his battle with throat cancer, pushing Paulo away from jiu-jitsu. It took some time, but with his brother’s guidance, he found his way back to the sport.
Costa’s backstory? It’s a classic tale of struggle. Growing up wasn’t easy, with financial hurdles left and right. He juggled jobs – from real estate to teaching IT – all while helping his mom with the bills. Despite making decent money, martial arts was where his heart truly lay.
His mom played a huge role in his career. With his brother’s persuasion, she agreed to support Paulo financially for a year, allowing him to focus solely on fighting. That leap of faith paid off, as Costa racked up an impressive 8–0 record, showcasing his knockout power.
A twist of fate brought UFC 147 right to his doorstep in Belo Horizonte, just a stone’s throw from his hometown. Despite being strapped for cash, Costa and his brother managed to witness the event, fueling his dream to compete at such a level.
Lastly, the Belo Horizonte gamble. Costa was eyeing a spot on “The Ultimate Fighter,” but needed one more fight to qualify. Despite the event being fully booked, he and his brother convinced the promoter to give him a shot, even offering to fight for free. His determination paid off, earning him a spot on the show after a first-round TKO victory.
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the life of Paulo Costa, a fighter who’s as intriguing outside the octagon as he is within it.