Paulo Costa

Middleweight Division

STRIKING

Punch Power S

Punch Speed S

Kick Power S

Kick Speed A

Accuracy A

Strike Defense A

GRAPPLING

Takedowns B

TD Defense B

Sub Defense B

Ground Game A

PHYSICAL & TACTICAL

Stamina A

Chin S

Fight IQ B

Reach 73"

SIGNATURE

▸Overhand Right Cross

▸Lead Leg Body Kick

▸Left Hook to the Body

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES

+Elite striking power in both punches and kicks that can finish opponents at any point in the fight

−Below average fight IQ leads to reckless brawling decisions and inefficient energy expenditure

+Exceptional chin durability that allows him to absorb heavy shots while maintaining aggressive forward pressure

−Moderate submission defense leaves him vulnerable to mat control and submission threats from high-level grapplers

+High striking accuracy that lets him land damaging blows consistently even against defensively sound opponents

−Stamina fades sharply in later rounds if he maintains maximum high-pressure offensive output early in the fight

MATCHUPS

BESTSlow, defensively porous strikers with no credible takedown or grappling threat who cannot match his raw power or withstand his constant forward pressure

HARDElite wrestling-focused grapplers with strong 5-round cardio who can consistently take him down, control him on the mat, and threaten submissions across the full fight duration

Fighter Intel

B TIER KICKBOXER KO THREAT

Top Attributes

Punch PowerKick PowerPunch Speed

vs Division Average

Striking

Grappling

-4

Defense

-2

Physical

-5

Combat Profile

Paulo Costa, also known as "Borrachinha," is a powerhouse middleweight famous for his terrifying knockout power and aggressive pressure. Fighting out of Team Nogueira, the Brazilian bulldozes opponents with heavy low kicks and boxing combinations. He pushed Israel Adesanya to the limit in a classic title bout, showcasing his championship-caliber durability and grit. Costa’s physical strength allows him to walk through fire to land his own fight-ending shots.

Tactical Advantage

Costa exploits fighters who cannot handle his forward momentum or defend his vicious calf kicks. He systematically breaks down opponents by targeting the legs to limit their movement before hunting for the head. His style is particularly effective against technicians who prefer to fight on the back foot without significant power. However, he can be outmaneuvered by elusive strikers who refuse to engage in a firefight.

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