Paulo Costa

Paulo Costa is a Brazilian mixed martial artist fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship's light heavyweight division. Known for his explosive striking and relentless pressure, Costa has built a reputation as one of the most feared finishers in the sport. As of 2026, he is ranked among the top contenders in his weight class and remains a constant threat to anyone standing across from him.

Costa's fighting style is pure violence. He walks opponents down, throws heavy leather, and hunts for knockouts. That approach has made him a fan favorite and earned him the nickname "The Eraser." With a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses, he has faced some of the toughest names in MMA and consistently delivered memorable performances.

Off the cage, Costa keeps a strong social media presence, engaging with fans and never shying away from calling out the biggest names in the sport. His charisma and unfiltered personality have made him a compelling figure both inside and outside the octagon. [edit]

Paulo Henrique Costa was born on April 21, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Growing up in the bustling capital of Minas Gerais, he was an athletic kid who gravitated toward sports early. He started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager, which sparked his passion for combat sports.

Before making it big in MMA, Costa earned a degree in physical education, which gave him a deep understanding of the human body and conditioning. That academic background later became a cornerstone of his training regimen, known for his incredible stamina and physical preparation.

Costa transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2012, making his professional debut at just 21 years old. He quickly tore through the Brazilian regional scene, finishing opponents with his aggressive style. His performances caught the attention of the UFC, and in 2017 he signed with the promotion, ready to take on the world's best. [edit]

Costa's UFC journey began in 2017 with a first-round knockout of Garreth McLellan. He then went on a tear, stopping Oluwale Bamgbose and Johnny Hendricks in the first round, showcasing his devastating power. By 2019, he had earned a shot at the top of the middleweight division, facing Yoel Romero in a Fight of the Night classic that saw Costa win a wild back-and-forth battle.

That victory set up a title fight against Israel Adesanya in 2020. Although Costa lost via TKO in the second round, the fight was a massive event and proved he belonged at the elite level. After a couple of setbacks, he decided to move up to light heavyweight, where his power and size could be better utilized.

In the light heavyweight division, Costa has continued to face top contenders and remains a dangerous gatekeeper. As of 2026, he is campaigning for a title shot, with many, including UFC legend Kenny Florian, arguing he deserves a chance at the belt. His recent callouts and willingness to fight anyone have kept him in the spotlight. [edit]

Paulo Costa is the quintessential fighter's fighter. He walks into the octagon with a swagger that borders on arrogance, and fans love him for it. His aggressive style, combined with his willingness to engage in trash talk, has made him a polarizing figure in MMA.

On social media, Costa is unfiltered and often humorous. He engages directly with fans, shares training footage, and isn't afraid to call out opponents. His Instagram, where he has over 2 million followers, is a mix of fight clips, gym sessions, and personal moments.

Media and fans often describe Costa as a throwback to the old school of MMA, where fighters let their fists do the talking. His knockout power and relentless pace have earned him a loyal following who appreciate his no-nonsense approach to the sport. [edit]

Paulo Costa steps into the octagon with a swagger that borders on arrogance, yet his cultural footprint extends far beyond the canvas. He is currently the 87th most famous person in MMA & Boxing, a standing confirmed by the 87th most famous person in MMA & Boxing within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement reflects a career built on pure violence and relentless pressure that has turned him into a polarizing icon for combat sports enthusiasts worldwide. His reputation as "The Eraser" isn't just a nickname; it is a brand synonymous with explosive striking and a refusal to back down from any challenge. The audience surrounding Costa is not a monolithic tribe with a single banner or ritual, but rather an organic collective of mixed martial arts fans who rally behind his unfiltered persona and aggressive fighting style. While he commands millions on social media, engaging directly with supporters through humorous clips and training footage, there is no formalized fan club name or organized campaign driving his popularity. Instead, his fame relies on the visceral impact of his performances and the raw energy he brings to every bout. As one of the top contenders in his weight class, Costa's presence dominates conversations about title shots and future rivalries, cementing his status as a constant threat to anyone standing across from him. The rankings track global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, placing Costa firmly among the elite figures shaping the modern landscape of combat sports.[edit]

Paulo Costa's nickname "Borrachinha" translates to "little rubber" in Portuguese, a nod to his toughness and ability to absorb punishment. He also goes by "The Eraser" for his knack for erasing opponents. Costa is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, though he rarely needs to use it given his striking prowess. He holds a degree in physical education and often uses his scientific knowledge to optimize his training. Before fighting, Costa worked as a personal trainer and even competed in a few amateur boxing matches. He is known for his intense weight cuts, once revealing he had to lose over 30 pounds to make the middleweight limit. In April 2026, Costa delivered a decisive third-round head kick TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in Miami, a win that immediately reignited discussions about his title contention. While some online rumors circulate regarding an obituary for a different individual named Marco Paulo Costa in Florida, these claims are false and unrelated to the UFC star.[edit]

Paulo Costa keeps his personal life private, but it's known he was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and comes from a supportive family. He often posts about his mother on social media, celebrating her birthday and showing his appreciation. His father is also a constant presence in his corner during fights.

Costa is not married and has no public children. He currently lives in the United States to train at a high level, but frequently returns to Brazil to visit family. His family's support has been a driving force throughout his career. [edit]

Paulo Costa is closely associated with his former middleweight rivals, Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero, both of whom he shared the octagon with in memorable bouts. He also trains with a team of elite Brazilian fighters and has been linked to the MMA community in Florida, where he currently resides. His manager, Wallid Ismail, has been a key figure in his career, helping negotiate his fights. [edit]

Paulo Costa has kept his romantic life largely out of the public eye. He has never been married and there are no public records of long-term relationships. In interviews, he has mentioned that his focus is on his fighting career, and he often jokes that he is married to the sport.

He has been linked to a few women on social media, but nothing has been confirmed. As of 2026, Costa is reportedly single, dedicating his time to training and chasing UFC gold. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN Editorial Team estimates Paulo Costa's net worth at $3 Million. His primary income stream flows from his UFC fight purses, which have expanded significantly as he ascended the rankings. For his high-stakes title bout against Israel Adesanya, Costa reportedly secured a base salary of $300,000 alongside pay-per-view bonuses. Beyond the octagon, he generates revenue through sponsorships and endorsements, frequently voicing his desire for improved compensation standards for fighters globally. Costa has diversified his portfolio by investing in real estate across Brazil and the United States, and he maintains ownership of a gym where he occasionally conducts training sessions. His financial standing has grown steadily year over year, fueled by his consistent appearance in marquee events. Although he may not sit at the very top of the wealth hierarchy among UFC athletes, his earning potential remains robust, particularly if he secures another shot at the championship belt.[edit]

Paulo Costa has won several post-fight bonuses in the UFC, including Fight of the Night for his war with Yoel Romero. He has also received Performance of the Night honors for his knockout victories. While he hasn't secured a championship belt yet, his exciting style has earned him recognition as one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport. [edit]