Early Life and Background

Paulo Henrique Costa was born on April 21, 1991, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. His nickname, "Borrachinha," which means "Little Rubber" in Portuguese, was given to him by his older brother, who believed Paulo had elastic-like qualities due to his athleticism and physique. Prior to starting his professional MMA career, Costa worked as a real estate agent. His passion for combat sports began to grow significantly around 2012, when he started training seriously in mixed martial arts.

Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and competing at a weight of 186 pounds, Costa brings physical prowess and intensity to each of his fights.

Mixed Martial Arts Career and UFC Milestones

Costa made a rapid impact in Brazil’s regional MMA scene, claiming several titles including the Mineiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the MMA Face to Face Middleweight Championship, and a victory in Jungle Fight, one of Brazil’s most prominent local promotions. His early success caught the attention of national promoters, leading to his selection for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3, a UFC-produced reality series that helped showcase his potential to a wider audience.

In his official UFC debut in 2017, Costa defeated Garreth McLellan by TKO, making an immediate statement in the middleweight division. He followed that performance with a second-round TKO victory over Oluwale Bamgbose. After a brief contractual disagreement with UFC management, Costa returned to action and secured a dominant win over former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, further establishing himself as a major contender.

Costa's fighting style—marked by aggressive striking and knockout power—quickly earned him a reputation as a fan favorite. Notably, he remained undefeated through his first 13 professional fights, with 11 wins by knockout and one by decision. Among his notable victories was a TKO win over Uriah Hall.