Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media congratulating Paulo Costa on his victory in Miami and stating he will become a future UFC champion. Trump mentioned speaking with Costa outside the ring after the big win. The post references Costa's recent performance at an event, with speculation about whether Costa has realistic championship potential at light heavyweight or if Trump is overstating the fighter's prospects. This follows Costa's successful showing after moving up from middleweight.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to congratulate Paulo Costa following Costa's victory in Miami, going so far as to predict the Brazilian fighter will one day hold a UFC championship title. Trump also noted that he spoke with Costa personally outside the ring after the bout.
Paulo Costa, known as "The Eraser," carries a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC middleweight division. The 35-year-old from Brazil trains out of Team Borracha and brings a physically imposing frame to the cage at six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach. Costa is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive strikers in the sport, landing an exceptional 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that place him among the elite in output and precision. His ground game leans heavily on his striking, with minimal reliance on takedowns or submissions.
Trump's post follows Costa's performance at an event in Miami, which came after the fighter moved up from middleweight to compete at light heavyweight. Whether Trump's championship prediction refers to a run at light heavyweight or a return to middleweight was not made clear in the post.
Why it matters
- Costa's crossover appeal and high-profile political attention could raise his public profile significantly heading into future bookings.
- A successful performance at light heavyweight opens a potential second divisional path for a fighter currently ranked 13th at middleweight.
- Costa's elite striking volume makes him a compelling matchup threat at either weight class, and renewed visibility may accelerate the UFC's plans for his next opponent.
