Paulo Costa opens up on alleged assault on nurse over vaccine card

UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa reportedly had an incident with a nurse while attempting to get a COVID-19 immunization card without actually getting vaccinated. Following the incident in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, he was detained on Monday.

Costa was accused of physically assaulting a female nurse, who had swollen lips as a consequence of the event. However, Costa disputed the nurses claim and it’s unclear if the police plans to pursue.

Costa filled out a card despite not consenting to get vaccinated, according to local police. When a nurse tried to stop him from leaving with the card, Costa reportedly attacked her with an elbow.

Costa had dismissed the news of the incident and attempted to turn it into an amusing anecdote.

However, Costa recently cleared the air in a video on his YouTube channel, denying any misconduct. He insists that there is more to the tale than meets the eye.

“I think it’s hard to have uglier and more terrifying news than this one,” Costa stated.

“When you hear news like that, you start to imagine a fighter, a heavyweight almost, 220 pounds, a martial arts professional, the damage he would cause to the face of a helpless layperson. A catastrophic image comes to mind.”

“This assault, that she accused me of, never existed. Not this assault, and not any other assault from me to any woman or person.:

“I vehemently deny this fact and would never do, especially an elbow to the face, like this person alleges.”

This is just a day after his team released the following official statement:

“The recent articles published by the media involving athlete Paulo Costa — “Borrachinha” referring to what happened in a shopping mall in the city of Contagem/MG generated questions, so we must present some clarifications.”

“First, tending to sensationalism, these are reckless and inconsistent.”

“The athlete Paulo Costa – ‘Borrachinha’ and his entire team reject any type of violence.”

‘Borrachinha’ is a high-performing athlete, full time dedicated to training, to following the rules, guidelines, and disciplines. According his philosophy and human conduct this kind of allegations are completely incompatible with his history and way of life.”

“The accusations and facts narrated do not reflect the reality of what happened.”

“The fact will be carefully investigated and the appropriate legal measures for their perfect clarification will be taken.”

Costa is currently on a two-fight UFC losing streak. He has a 13-2 record. Costa will fight Luke Rockhold at a UFC Fight Night event in August. He hasn’t competed in the Octagon since losing to Marvin Vettori in a light heavyweight contest last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Costa will need to be properly immunized before traveling to the United States for his bout with Rockhold.