Paulo Henrique Costa Bio
Paulo Henrique Costa is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on April 21, 1991, Costa has established himself as a prominent fighter with a record of 15 wins and 4 losses. As of August 19, 2025, he is ranked #13 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Paulo Henrique Costa was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to Carlos Roberto and Maria Augusta. He has an older brother, Carlos Costa, a former mixed martial artist who also serves as one of Paulo’s coaches. Growing up in Contagem, Costa played football before taking up Muay Thai at age nine to develop discipline and avoid street fights. He later joined a jiu-jitsu gym with his brother but temporarily quit after their father passed away from throat cancer when Paulo was 17. He returned to jiu-jitsu a few years later under his brother’s guidance.
To support his family financially, Costa worked in real estate and as an IT teacher, instructing students in Microsoft Word and Excel. His early life experiences shaped his dedication to martial arts and his professional career.
Path to MMA
Costa began his professional mixed martial arts career in Brazil in February 2012. Encouraged by his brother and supported financially by his mother for a year, he quickly built an impressive record. Over five years, he amassed an undefeated streak of 8 wins with 7 knockouts and 1 submission, showcasing his striking power and grappling skills. His early success in regional circuits paved the way for his entry into the UFC.
His brother Carlos played a significant role as a mentor and coach, helping him refine his skills and navigate the competitive MMA landscape. Costa’s transition from regional competitions to the international stage marked a critical step in his career development.
Paulo Henrique Costa Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Paulo Costa made his professional MMA debut in 2012 in Brazil and quickly established himself as a formidable fighter. During this period, he remained undefeated, securing 8 wins primarily through knockouts, which highlighted his striking ability. His performances caught the attention of larger promotions and set the foundation for his UFC debut.
Throughout these formative years, Costa trained with several teams, including Team Nogueira, Champion Team, and Clube Atlético Mineiro, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking disciplines.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Costa debuted in the UFC on March 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 106 against Garreth McLellan, winning by first-round TKO and earning his first Performance of the Night award. He continued his winning streak with notable victories over Oluwale Bamgbose and former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, both by technical knockout. These wins solidified his reputation as a rising contender in the middleweight division.
In 2018, Costa defeated Uriah Hall via technical knockout, earning another Performance of the Night bonus. Despite some scheduling challenges and a USADA suspension related to prohibited intravenous infusions, he returned to face Yoel Romero in August 2019, winning by unanimous decision and securing the Fight of the Night award.
His success culminated in a title shot against Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 253 in September 2020. Costa suffered his first professional loss via technical knockout in the second round but remained a top contender in the division.
Fight Ready Era (2017–Present)
Since 2017, Paulo Costa has been training with Fight Ready, a well-known MMA team. This partnership has supported his development and competitive performances at the highest level. Costa has competed in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, demonstrating versatility and ambition.
Notable recent fights include a unanimous decision win over Luke Rockhold in July 2022, which earned him another Fight of the Night award. He has also faced former champions Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, with competitive bouts that have kept him in the UFC’s spotlight. Costa’s career continues to evolve as he prepares for upcoming fights in 2025.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Paulo Costa is known for his aggressive striking, powerful knockouts, and well-rounded grappling skills, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His reach and height advantage at 183 cm allow him to control distance effectively. Costa’s fighting style combines Muay Thai striking with solid ground techniques, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent in the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Costa’s career highlights include multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards, a five-fight UFC winning streak leading to a title shot, and victories over high-profile opponents like Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold. Despite setbacks, including a USADA suspension and losses to top contenders, Costa remains a significant figure in the middleweight division.
Paulo Henrique Costa Career Wins
Paulo Costa has accumulated 15 professional wins across his MMA career, with a majority coming by knockout. His record reflects his striking prowess and ability to finish fights decisively. Costa’s victories span regional circuits and the UFC, showcasing his growth and competitiveness at the elite level.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Costa has secured multiple wins by technical knockout and unanimous decision. His first UFC win came against Garreth McLellan in 2017, and his most recent notable victory was against Luke Rockhold in 2022. Costa’s fights often earn performance bonuses, reflecting his exciting fighting style and fan appeal.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Costa compiled an undefeated record in Brazil with 8 wins, including 7 knockouts and 1 submission. These early performances established him as a knockout artist and paved the way for his entry into the global MMA scene.
Paulo Henrique Costa Family
Family Background and Lineage
Paulo Costa comes from a supportive family with a strong connection to martial arts. His father, Carlos Roberto, worked various jobs, while his mother, Maria Augusta, supported his early career financially. His older brother, Carlos Costa, is a former mixed martial artist and serves as one of Paulo’s coaches, playing a crucial role in his training and career decisions.
Personal Life
Details about Paulo Costa’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. He resides in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where he continues to train and prepare for his professional fights.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Paulo Costa remains an active competitor in the UFC middleweight division. He secured a unanimous decision win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in July 2025, demonstrating his continued relevance in the division. Costa was scheduled to face Sharabutdin Magomedov in November 2025, but the bout was canceled due to Magomedov’s surgery, leaving Costa’s next opponent undecided.
Throughout the season, Costa has shown resilience and determination to regain title contention. His training with Fight Ready and experience against top-tier opponents position him as a formidable contender moving forward. Fans and analysts watch closely as Costa aims to climb the rankings and secure high-profile matchups in the coming years.