Paulo Henrique Costa has both the look and the penchant for finishing fights that could make him a talent to watch in the coming months.
The 27-year-old known as “Borrachinha” mowed down “The Ultimate Fighter 17” finalist Uriah Hall in their preliminary middleweight tilt at UFC 226, winning via technical knockout 2:38 into the second frame. The former Jungle Fight champion swarmed Hall near the fence, putting his opponent away with a devastating right uppercut to the body.
“This is just one more victory on my way to the world title,” Costa said. “Now I want to face a top fighter, I want to fight Chris Weidman. No one in this division can win against me, I’m the most powerful middleweight and I’m showing that in every fight. Uriah had very good timing and connected the jabs, but I knew he would not be able to handle my power. I’m ready for the next battle.”
Costa is now 4-0 in the Las Vegas-based promotion and 12-0 as a professional overall, with all of his triumphs coming inside the distance. Whether or not he gets Weidman next remains to be seen. Still, count UFC President Dana White among those impressed by the imposing Brazilian’s potential.
“I think that kid is the next big Brazilian star,” White said at the UFC 226 post-fight press conference. “He’s on his way. Good looking, incredible physique and fights like an animal.”