Former U.S. President Donald Trump has again publicly congratulated Paulo Costa on his recent victory and predicted that Costa will become a UFC champion. Trump posted on social media: "Congratulations to Paulo Costa on a great fight last night in Miami. He will definitely become a future champion. It was great to talk to him outside the ring after his big victory!" The comments suggest Trump spoke with Costa personally following the fight. Community reaction debates whether Costa has a realistic path to championship gold in the light heavyweight division.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to congratulate Paulo Costa following Costa's recent victory at an event in Miami, also predicting that the Brazilian contender is destined to become a UFC champion. Trump indicated he spoke with Costa personally after the fight, writing that it was great to talk to him outside the ring following his big victory.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," is a 35-year-old middleweight from Brazil competing out of Team Borracha. He carries a professional record of 16-4-0 and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa is one of the more aggressive strikers in the 185-pound weight class, landing an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate — numbers that reflect the relentless pressure style that has made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
Why it matters
- Trump's public endorsement adds an unusual layer of celebrity attention to Costa's championship aspirations in the middleweight division.
- At ranked 13th, Costa faces a considerable climb before reaching title contention, and community reaction has already questioned the realism of that path.
- There is also some ambiguity in Trump's comments, as he referenced the light heavyweight division in relation to Costa's future, despite Costa competing at middleweight.
- Costa's high striking output keeps him in the conversation as a dangerous stylistic threat to any contender standing between him and a title shot.
