Credit:Joao Baptista
Credit:Joao Baptista
Credit:Joao Baptista
Former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa
has been accused of striking a nurse with an elbow during a dispute
over a COVID-19 vaccination card, according to a report from
Globo.
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The alleged incident occurred at a shopping center on Monday night
in Contagem, Brazil, when Costa arrived and said he wanted to be
vaccinated. However, the fighter then reportedly attempted to leave
with the card before the shot was administered.
“The card was filled out. The workers said that, at the time of
application, he did not accept to be vaccinated. He wanted to leave
with the card and they did not accept it. At that moment, a nurse
was elbowed,” municipal guard Marco Mota said.
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Costa, however, provided Mota with a different account.
“He said he got the vaccine, but the nurses didn’t let him go out
with the card,” Mota said. “He said it generated stress. He took
the card and left. At that moment, a nurse grabbed him by the arm
and he broke free.”
According to the report, the 26-year-old nurse suffered a swollen
lip but did not require medical attention. Both Costa and the nurse
were taken to the Contagem Duty Police Station, where they were
questioned about the incident. Costa was released after giving a
statement to police. The alleged victim filed a criminal complaint,
and “Borrachinha” will have to appear in court for a hearing at a
later date.
Costa is expected to make his Octagon return against Luke
Rockhold at UFC 278 on Aug. 20.