Brazilian · São Paulo, Brazil · Born 21 April 1991Belo Horizonte-born knockout artist known for a granite chin and explosive Muay Thai/BJJ style.
Paulo Henrique Costa was born on 21 April 1991 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the son of Carlos Roberto, who worked odd jobs, and Maria Augusta. He grew up in nearby Contagem playing football before picking up Muay Thai at nine, partly to instil discipline and keep him away from trouble in his neighbourhood. His older brother, Carlos, a former mixed martial artist, has served as one of Paulo's coaches throughout his career. Costa, nicknamed "Borrachinha" (Little Rubber Ball) for his ability to absorb punishment and keep coming forward, turned professional in 2012 and developed into one of the most feared punchers in the UFC's middleweight division, building an undefeated record through his first 13 professional fights. Costa's signature victory came against Yoel Romero in 2019, a back-and-forth war that earned Fight of the Night honours, before he challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title later that year, suffering a knockout loss in the second round. Costa has continued competing at the highest level, moving between middleweight and light heavyweight, and remains one of the most physically imposing and popular Brazilian strikers on the UFC roster, renowned for his brash confidence and highlight-reel finishes.
'Borrachinha'/'The Eraser,' powerful middleweight brawler
How They Played
Costa employs an aggressive, pressure-heavy striking style built around powerful hooks and body shots. He combines his physical strength with relentless forward movement to overwhelm opponents against the cage. His game plan typically revolves around cutting off angles and landing heavy punches in close quarters rather than technical striking from distance.
Lasting Impact
Costa established himself as one of the most physically imposing and exciting strikers in modern middleweight MMA during his undefeated streak.
Career Honours
- UFC Middleweight Interim Title Challenger (fought for interim title vs Romero, 2019)
- Undefeated Professional MMA Record (13-0 before first loss)
- WSOF Middleweight Champion
- UFC Performance of the Night Award vs Uriah Hall (UFC 226, 2018)
- UFC Performance of the Night Award vs Johny Hendricks (UFC Fight Night 138, 2018)
- UFC Fight of the Night Award vs Yoel Romero (UFC 241, 2019)
Brazilian Athletes