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Paulo Costa has been one of the fighters to look forward to in the UFC. It's hard to digest that Borrachinha once used to teach computer software like Powerpoint, Excel etc. Since his father passed away early, he revealed that he took up these gigs to financially help his mother. However, it was his brother that convinced his mom that Costa should focus on training. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Carlos (brother) said -
"I told her he had a future, he’s talented, that he would get to the biggest MMA promotion in the world. ‘It will be all worth it, but we have to help him now, hold tight here at home and let him train."
After getting rejected multiple times by the UFC, Costa decided to polish himself in the Brazilian circuit. He ended his tenure there with multiple tiles and a perfect record of 8 - 0. In 2017, Costa was finally given the contract by the UFC. He continued his undefeated run and was booked to fight for the light heavyweight title in Sept 2020.
His antics during the build - up to the fight vs Israel Adesanya were fancied by the fight fans. While he went into the octagon as the betting underdog, a core of fans were convinced he would be the one to end “Izzy’s” perfect run. However, things didn’t go to plan and now his stock among the MMA fans isn’t as high as it was.
The ever - changing nature of this sport ensures that someone like Costa has the abilities to achieve greatness.
Tamara Alves is publicly known for being Paulo Costa’s long term girlfriend. Founding a supplement and fitness accessories brand, MundoFit, she is a passionate entrepreneur. It comes as no - brainer that like Paulo she is a fitness nut.
Alves likes to keep her privacy. Hence not many details about her family, relationship etc are available. According to her Instagram bio, she is also a Civil Engineer. Alves has over 6k followers on ig, she regularly shares pictures of her cat and workout content.
Alves often features on Paulo Costa’s Youtube Channel.
Alves met Costa in 2013, before all the UFC fame. In an interview with ESPN, she revealed all the details about her history with Costa -
"I met Paulo in 2013. My cousin's husband trained with him at the gym. He said, "Wow, Tata, there is this very handsome guy at the gym. I think you'd like him." The gym was hosting a jiu-jitsu championship and he told me to stop by. Paulo was competing there. We greeted each other but didn't talk. He was really focused."
She was flattered by Costa in their first meeting. On the other hand, ‘Borrachinha’ was hesitant to ask her for her number. He went on to ask her friend for the same -
"Everyone talked about how good he was, and I remember I thought, "Is he that good, or do they just not know other people? Paulo could just be the only good fighter at the gym." But that day he impressed me. You saw in his face that he was so cool, and you didn't see that in anyone else. That night, there was a party for the gym staff and we met there. He asked my friend for my number -- didn't even ask me."
Alves went on to praise the dedication and the work ethic of Costa in the ESPN interview -
“Paulo does not go 50 percent or 80 percent. When his mother and I go and watch him spar, we feel like crying because he leaves everything out there. That is something that people don't see. I don't think he will become a champion, I know. I've never seen anyone go after their dreams like he does. I don't see his life ending without this.”
