Paulo Costa disclosed details of a brief exchange with US President Donald Trump following his fight. When asked about the conversation, Costa joked that he told Trump to give him "better work, easier work." Costa clarified that they did not discuss the fight itself, explaining the conversation was personal in nature as they share mutual friends and connections. He mentioned discussing the current difficult situation in Brazil with the president. The post notes this was a mini-dialogue between the Brazilian fighter and Trump at the event.
Paulo Costa revealed details of a brief personal exchange with US President Donald Trump that took place at UFC 327, offering a lighthearted glimpse into an unlikely conversation between the Brazilian middleweight and the sitting commander-in-chief.
Costa, who carries the nickname "The Eraser," said the two did not discuss the fight itself. Instead, the conversation was personal in nature, facilitated by mutual friends and shared connections. In a moment of characteristic humor, Costa joked that he used the opportunity to ask Trump for "better work, easier work." He also noted that the situation currently unfolding in Brazil came up during their brief exchange.
The 35-year-old Costa holds a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC middleweight division. Fighting out of Brazil under Team Borracha, the six-foot-one orthodox striker has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive volume punchers in the 185-pound weight class, landing an eye-catching 6.26 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 58 percent. His grappling output remains minimal, averaging just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes with no submission attempts to speak of.
Why it matters
- Costa's connection to Trump through mutual associates adds an unusual personal dimension to the fighter's public profile
- The exchange highlights the growing intersection of combat sports and American political culture
- Costa's comments about conditions in Brazil suggest he is vocal about his home country's affairs beyond the octagon
