Paulo Costa voiced harsh criticism of Jiri Prochazka following his performance this past weekend. Costa stated that if Prochazka has mercy in him, he is in the wrong sport and should dedicate himself to something else entirely. The comments reflect Costa's belief that fighters should show no quarter in competition. The post includes a poll asking whether Costa is right or if there is too much hate directed at Prochazka. This represents another instance of Costa generating controversy with his outspoken opinions on fellow fighters.
Paulo Costa has taken aim at Jiri Prochazka, publicly condemning the Czech light heavyweight for what Costa described as showing mercy during his most recent outing this past weekend.
Costa, known by the nickname "The Eraser," offered no softening of his stance. He stated plainly that if Prochazka has mercy in him, he belongs in a different profession entirely — not inside a fighting cage. The comments, which Costa shared alongside a poll asking fans whether he was right or simply being too harsh, are consistent with his long-standing reputation for blunt, provocative opinions on fellow competitors.
Prochazka, 33, carries a 32-6-1 record and is currently ranked second in the UFC light heavyweight division. The orthodox striker out of Jetsaam Gym Brno stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and lands an impressive 5.69 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate — numbers that mark him as one of the most active and dangerous fighters in his weight class.
Costa, 35, competes at middleweight and sits 13th in that divisional ranking with a 16-4 record. The Brazilian from Team Borracha is himself no stranger to heavy output, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — among the higher marks in the sport. Despite those numbers, he has found himself further from title contention in recent years.
Why it matters
- Prochazka is ranked second at light heavyweight, meaning any controversy around his performances draws scrutiny at the top of the division
- Costa's criticism, coming from a ranked middleweight, carries the flavor of cross-divisional provocation rather than a direct competitive callout
- The style contrast is notable: both men are high-volume orthodox strikers, but Costa's comments center on mentality rather than technique
- The attached fan poll suggests Costa is deliberately inviting public debate, a tactic he has used repeatedly to stay relevant in the conversation
