Paulo Costa, also known as “The Eraser,” has stormed onto the UFC middleweight scene with a ferocity that has both impressed and intimidated fight fans.
His aggressive fighting style, coupled with his imposing physique, has earned him a legion of supporters and the respect of his opponents.
This article delves deeper into Paulo Costa’s journey, exploring his rise to prominence, signature fighting style, and the challenges that lie ahead in the middleweight division.
From Odd Jobs to the Octagon: The Early Days of Paulo Costa
Born in 1991 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Paulo Costa’s path to MMA wasn’t a conventional one. The son of a construction worker, Costa’s upbringing instilled a strong work ethic in him.
However, he initially channeled this energy into street fights before discovering Muay Thai at the age of nine.
This marked a turning point, providing him with an outlet for his competitive spirit and teaching him discipline.
Costa’s older brother, Carlos, a former MMA fighter himself, recognized Paulo’s potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Together, they joined a jiu-jitsu gym but left soon after due to their father’s tragic death from throat cancer. Despite this setback, Costa remained dedicated to his fighting aspirations.
Finding His Form: Muay Thai and the Birth of “The Eraser”
Costa’s focus shifted primarily to Muay Thai, where his raw talent and relentless pressure began to shine.
He quickly rose through the ranks of the regional Muay Thai scene in Brazil, amassing an impressive record. This period honed his striking skills, particularly his powerful kicks and devastating elbows.
The nickname “The Eraser” emerged during this time. It reflects Costa’s fighting philosophy: to overwhelm his opponents with a relentless barrage of strikes, leaving them no room for counterattacks.
This aggressive style, fueled by his exceptional physical conditioning, became his trademark.
Transition to MMA and Arrival in the UFC
In 2012, Costa transitioned to MMA, integrating his striking prowess with newfound wrestling skills. He quickly rose through the Brazilian MMA circuit, compiling an undefeated record and showcasing his well-rounded skillset.
His performances caught the attention of the UFC, and in 2017, he signed with the world’s premier MMA organization.
UFC Career: A Trail of Destruction and Climb Through the Ranks
Costa’s UFC debut was a resounding success. He demolished his opponent, Hélio Castroneves, via TKO in the first round, displaying the power and aggression that had earned him his nickname.
A string of dominant victories followed, each more impressive than the last. He finished all but one of his first five fights in the UFC, showcasing his devastating knockout power and unwavering fight spirit.
Victories over seasoned veterans like Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum propelled Costa into the middleweight title picture.
His relentless pressure and powerful striking posed a significant threat to the reigning champion, Israel Adesanya.
Beyond the First Loss: Refining the Eraser and the Road Ahead
The loss to Adesanya marked a turning point in Costa’s career. He faced criticism for his overly aggressive approach and a lack of strategic fight IQ.
Costa, known for his dedication to training, took this setback in stride. He acknowledged the need for improvement and began working with coaches to refine his striking and develop a more well-rounded game plan.
Costa bounced back with a dominant win over Marvin Vettori in 2021, showcasing his improvements in fight strategy and showcasing his ability to adapt.
However, weight-cutting issues have plagued him in recent fights, leading to a controversial decision loss to Alex Pereira in 2022 and a withdrawal from a scheduled rematch with Adesanya.
His future success hinges on his ability to maintain a healthy weight cut while continuing to develop a more strategic approach alongside his devastating striking.
Fighting Style: A Closer Look at “The Eraser’s” Arsenal
Paulo Costa’s fighting style is a blend of raw power, relentless pressure, and improved technical striking. Here’s a breakdown of his key weapons:
Powerful Kicks:
Costa boasts exceptional leg strength, evident in his devastating leg kicks and switch kicks. These strikes often target the body and legs, aiming to sap an opponent’s strength and set up knockouts.
Elbow Strikes:
A carryover from his Muay Thai background, Costa utilizes sharp elbows effectively in close quarters. These strikes can be particularly dangerous when combined with his relentless forward
FAQs
What fighting style is Paulo Costa known for?
He is known for his aggressive Muay Thai striking style, earning him the nickname “The Eraser.”
What are some of Paulo Costa’s most notable victories?
His victories over Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum are considered his most impressive.
Has Paulo Costa ever received Performance of the Night bonuses?
Yes, he has received multiple Performance of the Night bonuses for his exciting fights.
What is Paulo Costa’s estimated net worth in 2024?
Estimates suggest Paulo Costa’s net worth falls somewhere between $1 million and $3 million.
How does Paulo Costa’s income compare to other UFC middleweights?
He likely falls within the range of top middleweight contenders, with champions potentially earning more.
Who is Paulo Costa expected to fight next?
Upcoming fights are often announced by the UFC, so stay tuned for official news.
What are Paulo Costa’s chances of becoming UFC middleweight champion?
He is considered a serious contender, and his future fights will be crucial in his championship aspirations.
Will Paulo Costa continue to fight beyond his prime?
Many fighters adjust their styles as they age. Whether he continues aggressively or adapts remains to be seen.
Does Paulo Costa have any endorsement deals?
While details are limited, some fighters do secure endorsements with sports nutrition or clothing brands.
Does Paulo Costa have any philanthropic endeavors?
Information about charitable work by fighters can be difficult to find publicly. Fans can search for news articles to see if Paulo Costa supports any causes.
Where can I learn more about Paulo Costa’s fight statistics?
Websites like Sherdog and UFC.com provide detailed fight records and statistics.
What is Paulo Costa’s educational background?
Information about his education is not widely available, as many fighters pursue careers in MMA from a young age.
What are Paulo Costa’s hobbies and interests outside of fighting?
Details about his personal life are limited, but some fighters enjoy weightlifting, gaming, or spending time with family.
What weight class did Paulo Costa compete in before entering the middleweight division?
Paulo Costa competed in the light middleweight division before moving up to middleweight.
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