UFC

Paulo “The Eraser”Costa

UFC16-4-0

Division
Middleweight
Stance
Orthodox
Height
6' 1"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
72"
Nationality
State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Explore UFC picks

Fighter metrics

Striking accuracy

58%

622 landed · 1,071 attempted

Takedown accuracy

75%

Recent fight form

Latest 5 verified results in our archive · 2022-08-20 to 2026-04-11

Wins

3 / 5

Losses

2 / 5

Historical results, not a prediction. See opponents and methods in fight history below.

Fight history

  • Azamat Murzakanov

    Apr 11, 2026

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 3 · 1:23

  • Roman Kopylov

    Jul 19, 2025

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Sean Strickland

    Jun 1, 2024

    Loss

    Decision - Split · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Robert Whittaker

    Feb 17, 2024

    Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Ruku Rotsukuhoruto

    Aug 20, 2022

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Marvin Vettori

    Oct 23, 2021

    Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Israel Adesanya

    Sep 27, 2020

    Loss

  • Uriah Hall

    Jul 8, 2018

    Win

  • Johny Hendricks

    Nov 4, 2017

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 1:23

  • Oluwale Bamgbose

    Jun 2, 2017

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 0:58

  • Garreth Mclellan

    Mar 11, 2017

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 1 · 1:17

Paulo Costa Bio

Paulo Costa is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known as “The Eraser.” Born April 21, 1991, in Brazil’s state of Minas Gerais, he began training for fighting in 2012 and turned professional that year. Costa made his UFC debut in March 2017 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3. The UFC lists him at 6 feet 1 inch with a 72-inch reach and describes his fighting style as striker.

Costa built his UFC profile through aggressive pressure, heavy hooks and body attacks, plus damaging kicks. His middleweight run included a 2020 UFC title challenge against Israel Adesanya and a decision win over Yoel Romero. As of October 1, 2026, UFC lists Costa as an active light heavyweight training with Team Borracha. In his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, he stopped Azamat Murzakanov in the third round, a performance the promotion characterized as an immediate statement in the division.

Record
16-4-0
Division
Middleweight
Stance
Orthodox
Height
6' 1"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
72"
Leg reach
39.50
Gym / team
Team Nogueira Champion Team
Nationality
State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Fighting out of
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Birth date
Apr 21, 1991 (age 35)
Age
35

Paulo Costa Questions & Answers

What division does Paulo Costa compete in?

As of October 1, 2026, the UFC lists Paulo Costa as an active light heavyweight.

What is Paulo Costa’s fighting style?

The UFC lists Costa’s style as striker. He is best known for forward pressure and powerful punching and kicking attacks.

When did Paulo Costa make his UFC debut?

Costa made his Octagon debut in March 2017, after competing on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3.

Has Paulo Costa fought for a UFC title?

Yes. Costa challenged Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 253 in September 2020, but he has not won a UFC championship.

How tall is Paulo Costa and when was he born?

Costa is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall and was born on April 21, 1991.

What was Paulo Costa’s most recent UFC appearance?

Costa’s most recent UFC appearance was his light heavyweight bout with Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026. He won by third-round TKO.