Paulo Costa News

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 5, 2025

Reinier de Ridder isn’t entertaining a clash with Paulo Costa at the moment. “RDR” is fresh off a split decision victory over former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker. The bout headlined UFC Abu Dhabi. It was certainly no small task for de Ridder, but he may have punched his ticket to a title opportunity or a No. 1 contender bout. Not everyone was impressed with the performance, however.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 31, 2025

Paulo Costa will not be fighting a particular top-ranked UFC middleweight anytime soon. Costa was paying attention to the UFC Abu Dhabi main event between Reinier de Ridder and Robert Whittaker. The bout went the distance and de Ridder was awarded the split decision victory. “RDR” is now a top five UFC middleweight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 27, 2025

Reinier de Ridder has fired back at Paulo Costa following post-fight remarks. On Saturday, de Ridder faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker. The UFC Abu Dhabi main event went the distance and was highly competitive throughout. Once the score totals were read, it was revealed that “RDR” emerged victorious via split decision.

Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025

Paulo Costa shared some choice words for fellow middleweight Reinier de Ridder following today’s UFC on ABC 9 event in Abu Dhabi. De Ridder (21-2 MMA) squared off with former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-9 MMA) in the headliner of this afternoon’s fight card in Abu Dhabi.

Harry Kettle - July 21, 2025

UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has praised his coaches in the wake of his win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 last weekend. On Saturday night, Paulo Costa defeated Roman Kopylov to get himself back in the win column. It’s been a long time coming for a man who, as we know, has experienced his fair share of ups and downs in mixed martial arts. Alas, it seems as if he’s finally getting back on track, with his eyes firmly set on a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev.

Chris Taylor - July 19, 2025

Tonight’s UFC 318 event was co-headlined by a middleweight bout between former title challenger Paulo Costa and rising contender Roman Kopylov. Costa (15-4 MMA) had entered tonight’s co-headliner with hopes of snapping a two-fight losing skid. The former middleweight title challenger had most previously competed last June at UFC 302, where he suffered a split decision loss to Sean Strickland. ‘Borrachinha’s’ most previous win had occurred in August of 2022, where he defeated former champion Luke Rockhold by unanimous decision.

Chris Taylor - July 19, 2025

We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC 318 results, including the co-main event between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. Costa (15-4 MMA) will enter tonight’s co-headliner with hopes of snapping a two-fight losing skid. The former middleweight title challenger most recently competed last June at UFC 302, where he suffered a split decision loss to Sean Strickland. ‘Borrachinha’ recorded his last win in August of 2022, when he defeated former champion Luke Rockhold by unanimous decision.

Harry Kettle - July 19, 2025

UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes that Paulo Costa is his own worst enemy heading into UFC 318. As we know, Paulo Costa is a pretty controversial figure within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. While he’s had some great moments over the years and has even fought for a world title, he’s also had a lot of losses recently. Many have wondered whether or not he’s reached his ceiling in the sport, but of course, the man himself is ready to try and prove the doubters wrong.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 15, 2025

One well-known fighter scheduled for the UFC 318 card still has beef with Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev has secured a UFC Middleweight Championship opportunity. He will challenge Dricus du Plessis for the 185-pound gold at UFC 319 on Aug. 16. It’ll be Chimaev’s first crack at UFC gold.

BJ Penn Staff - June 18, 2025

UFC 317 took a major blow this week, as main card matchup involving Paulo Costa was rescheduled for a later date. Brazil’s Costa, a former UFC middleweight title challenger, was set to meet Russia’s Roman Kopylov on the June 28 event’s main card. According to a report from Laerta Viana, however, the Brazilian has come down with an illness. That has forced the UFC to move his fight with Kopylov to UFC 318, which is slated for July 19.

Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024

Paulo Costa is hoping to fight Khamzat Chimaev next as he says he’s the perfect opponent for him. Costa is coming off a decision loss to Sean Strickland back at UFC 302 after losing to Robert Whittaker by decision earlier this year. In his last fight against Strickland, Costa didn’t throw too much volume or many power punches, at least when compared to his earlier UFC fights.

Josh Evanoff - June 13, 2024

UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa is ready for a short-notice rematch with Robert Whittaker. Earlier today, news broke about the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. That card is set for next Saturday night and is an absolutely stacked event. Set for the headliner is a middleweight tilt between former champion Robert Whittaker, and Khamzat Chimaev. With a win, ‘Borz’ could’ve earned a potential title shot.

Harry Kettle - June 4, 2024

UFC star Israel Adesanya gave his thoughts on Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa in a reaction video on his YouTube channel. Last weekend at UFC 302, Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa faced off in the co-main event of the evening. After a tight affair, Strickland was the one who had his hand raised via split decision.

Cole Shelton - June 3, 2024

The UFC was in Newark, New Jersey for UFC 302 with the lightweight title on the line. In the main event, Islam Makhachev was looking to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier who had said this was his final shot at winning the belt. The co-main event was a pivotal five-round middleweight scrap between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa.

Josh Evanoff - June 3, 2024

Chris Curtis wants to fight Paulo Costa after the Brazilian’s return at UFC 302 on Saturday. ‘The Eraser’ returned to the octagon in the co-main event of the pay-per-view over the weekend. There, Paulo Costa met former middleweight champion Sean Strickland. While the Brazilian was confident heading into fight night, he was largely outstruck en route to a split-decision defeat. Following the loss, Costa vowed to be more active in his next octagon appearance.

Chris Taylor - June 1, 2024

Tonight’s UFC 302 event was co-headlined by a key middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa. Strickland (29-6 MMA) entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a split decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 to surrender the promotion‘s middleweight title in his previous effort. Prior to that setback, ‘Tarzan’ was on a three-fight winning streak which included a lopsided decision win over Israel Adesanya.

Harry Kettle - May 31, 2024

Fight fans have reacted to a photo that suggests Paulo Costa may be suffering with a staph infection heading into UFC 302. On Saturday night, Paulo Costa will make his return to the Octagon. We all know that Paulo is a pretty divisive figure, and while he may not be the most consistent fighter in the cage, he knows how to make noise outside of it.

Cole Shelton - May 30, 2024

Israel Adesanya has shared his prediction for the UFC 302 co-main event between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa. Adesanya has fought both Strickland and Costa so he is very familiar with both men. Izzy’s last fight was a loss to Strickland where he surrendered the middleweight title with the setback. Given that he is familiar with both of them, Adesanya has a good idea of how the fight will play out and the best path to victory for both men.