Paulo Costa reveals conversation with Trump focused on Brazil, not UFC 327

Paulo Costa revealed the details of a brief but notable post-fight exchange with President Donald Trump following his victory at UFC 327 on April 11, shedding light on what the two actually discussed backstage.

Costa, known as "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 record and competes at middleweight, where he is currently ranked thirteenth in the division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and brings a relentless offensive style to the cage, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy — numbers that place him among the more prolific punchers in the 185-pound class. He stands six feet one inch tall with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance.

When Trump told Costa he had done a great job, the Brazilian responded with characteristic humor, quipping that he would appreciate better work or easier work going forward. Costa was quick to explain, however, that the exchange was personal in nature rather than anything fight-related. He noted that the two share mutual friends and connections, and that the bulk of their conversation centered on what he described as the current difficult situation in Brazil.

Why it matters

• Costa's UFC 327 win pushes him further into the middleweight top-fifteen conversation at 35 years old, keeping his championship aspirations alive.
• The personal nature of the Trump exchange underscores Costa's high-profile public presence beyond the octagon.
• His aggressive striking output makes him a dangerous opponent for any contender the division throws at him next.