Paulo Costa is establishing himself as one of MMA’s most divisive personalities, whether you like him or not.
From his most recent altercation, in which the young Brazilian allegedly elbowed a nurse over a vaccine card, to claiming that his loss at UFC 253 was due to shenenigans the night before, Paulo Costa keeps finding himself in the news. He has been making headlines for doing things that do not make him look like a class act.
Glover Teixeira, the former light heavyweight champion, spoke out against fellow Brazilian MMA fighter Paulo Costa before his match at UFC 275.
“I believe ‘Borrachina’ is too corrupted by Instagram and Youtube followers, maybe he wants attention to gain followers, like Jake Paul,” Teixeira told ESPN Brazil.
Texeira continued, “Honestly, look, he has more followers than me, right? Maybe that’s worth more money down the line, so who am I to talk?”
“If that’s his goal, gain more followers and be the Kim Kardashian of Instagram, he’s on the right path.”
“Now, if his goal is to become champion, he has to leave the controversies aside and focus on training, diet, and what he wants… I’m not saying he’s right or wrong.”
“If we’re talking about money and followers, he’s right. It’s not my goal to have followers. My goal was always to be the best fighter in the world. When I retire from fighting, I’ll delete all my social media and start over.”
Paulo Costa is gearing up to face Luke Rockhold, former UFC middleweight. Rockhold is returning after a three-year hiatus.
Costa has yet to respond to Glover Teixeira’s observations. However, he most certainly has more pressing worries. As he recovers from the nurse incident, he is preparing for his previously announced battle with Rockhold.
The match is set for UFC 278: a card that will feature reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards as the main event.