Paulo Costa, the former middleweight title contender, is known not only for his antics inside the octagon but also for his entertaining posts on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).
The sixth-ranked middleweight fighter is set to face Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294, a highly anticipated bout fueled by the animosity between the Brazilian and the Swedish Chechen.
Paulo Costa’s recent post leaves fans in splits
Costa is also known for his macho villain persona before losing to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253, which has changed since his social media presence increased.
A recent post on X by the Brazilian middleweight has stirred up a frenzy among netizens. The post featured a picture of a heavily muscled Paulo Costa, giving the impression that he had bulked up significantly.
However, it was later confirmed that Costa had used a photoshopped image as a way to playfully tease his fans. While some fans quickly recognized the image as manipulated, others expressed concerns about whether Costa would make weight for UFC 294.
One fan commented on the picture, expressing suspicion about whether Costa would make weight for his upcoming middleweight bout against Chimaev. It’s worth noting that Costa was involved in a controversy at UFC Fight Night 196, which led to his originally scheduled middleweight bout being rescheduled as a light heavyweight bout just one day before the weigh-ins.
Another fan commented on the post appreciating Borrachinha for a nicely done Photoshop work. However, another fan was dismissive of the Brazilian’s Photoshop skills, labeling it as the work of amateurs.
Costa faces Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
The co-main event of UFC 294 features an exciting showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa. This highly anticipated mixed martial arts event is headlined by Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, who previously headlined the UFC 280 pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi.
Costa’s opponent at UFC 280, Khamzat Chimaev, is an undefeated fighter in the UFC who has primarily competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. However, a Covid-19-related illness has made it challenging for him to cut weight to 170lbs. He notably missed weight by 10 pounds at UFC 279. Costa and Chimaev were involved in a tussle in the events leading up to UFC 279.
Paulo Costa is coming off a victory over Luke Rockhold in the co-main event of UFC 278, which ended his two-fight losing streak against Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori. The Brazilian was a formidable force in the middleweight division during his initial 13-0 career start.
However, TKO loss to Israel Adesanya followed by a decision loss to Marvin Vettori has affected his reputation.UFC 294 is scheduled for October 21, 2023, at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. This marks the UFC’s 18th visit to Abu Dhabi, a favored location for the promotion as it was one of the few places that allowed events during the pandemic era.
Who do you think wins in the co-main event of UFC 294? Paulo Costa? Khamzat Chimaev? comment below!
