In the world of MMA, a fighter’s journey often begins long before the bell rings—and Paulo Costa is no exception. Despite not having his next opponent locked in, the Brazilian UFC middleweight is gearing up for war, proving that preparation is the cornerstone of success in this brutal sport. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Costa’s path to redemption is taking him far from home, as he relocates to Florida for an ambitious training camp that could redefine his career.
After snapping a losing streak in 2024 with a decisive win over Roman Kopylov, Costa (15-4) is back on track. Known for his bold callouts and unfiltered social media presence, the fighter affectionately dubbed “Borrachinha” is eager to step back into the Octagon. Yet, the UFC has yet to announce his next matchup, leaving fans and critics alike speculating about what’s next. And this is the part most people miss: even without a confirmed fight, Costa is already deep into his training, working with renowned physical trainer Andre Benkei, a veteran coach who’s shaped the careers of MMA legends like Paulo Filho and Gleison Tibau.
Benkei, formerly of American Top Team and Blackzilians, isn’t holding back his praise for Costa. “His physical potential is off the charts,” Benkei told Sherdog, highlighting Costa’s impressive aerobic capacity after a series of tests with UFC PI physiologist Dr. Roman Fomin. “Nature gave this guy something special, and we haven’t even started the real training camp yet,” he added, hinting at the untapped potential of “The Eraser.”
But here’s the controversial part: While Costa eyes a January return to the Octagon, his training plan is already in motion—even without a confirmed date or opponent. After a brief stint in Rio de Janeiro, where he trained with Brazilian Top Team and Shooto champion Alexandre Nogueira, Costa is taking a family break in Minas Gerais before heading to Florida. Why Florida? Because his training camp is set to be part of a larger MMA project backed by a passionate gym owner with UFC-level facilities. This isn’t just about Costa; it’s about building a global team, with fighters from Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and the U.S. already in the mix.
Is this the move that will catapult Costa back to title contention? Or is relocating to Florida a risky gamble without a confirmed fight? One thing’s for sure: Costa’s dedication is undeniable, and his training camp could be the game-changer he needs. But what do you think? Is Costa making the right move, or is he spreading himself too thin? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate MMA fans won’t want to miss.
