Paulo Costa, also known as "The Eraser," is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has etched his name in the UFC middleweight division. Born on April 21, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Costa began his professional MMA career in 2012 and quickly built a reputation as a formidable striker and a knockout artist. He first garnered notoriety in Jungle Fight, where he won the Middleweight Championship and defended it successfully once.
Costa made his UFC debut on March 12, 2017, with a second-round TKO victory over Garreth McLellan. Known for his unreal KO strength, Costa has amassed a record of 14 wins and 3 losses, with 11 wins coming by knockout and 1 by submission. He maintained an undefeated streak in the UFC until he faced Israel Adesanya for the Middleweight Championship at UFC 253 on September 27, 2020, where he suffered his first professional loss via second-round TKO.
Costa's notable victories include a win over Yoel Romero at UFC 241, which earned him the Fight of the Night award, and a unanimous decision victory over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. Despite facing setbacks, such as a unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori in a bout held at light heavyweight due to weight issues, Costa has remained a top contender in the middleweight division.
In his last fight, Costa faced Robert Whittaker on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298, where he lost by unanimous decision despite almost finishing Whittaker with a head kick at the end of the first round. He is now scheduled to fight former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
Age Paulo Costa Started MMA Training
Paulo Costa started his martial arts training at a very young age, heavily influenced by his older brother, Carlos Costa, who was also a mixed martial artist. Paulo began practicing Muay Thai when he was just nine years old. This early exposure to martial arts helped him avoid street fights and instilled a sense of discipline in him.
Paulo Costa Fighting Style
As a former kickboxer, Paulo Costa utilizes a pressure-heavy approach, consistently moving forward to overwhelm his opponents with continuous strikes. His proficiency in Muay Thai is evident through his powerful kicks, knees, and elbows, which he seamlessly integrates into his attacks.
Costa’s ability to cut off the cage and trap opponents allows him to unleash devastating combinations, often leading to knockouts. Furthermore, he possesses a solid grappling foundation, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which complements his elite striking.
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FAQs on when Paulo Costa started training
A. Paulo Costa began his martial arts training at 9 years old.
A. Paulo Costa is coached by Eric Albarracin.
A. Paulo Costa has compiled a UFC record of 6 wins and 3 losses (6-3-0).
A. Paulo Costa hails from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
A. Paulo Costa maintains a record of 14 wins and 3 losses (14-3-0).
A. Paulo Costa is 33 years old as of May 2024.
