Paulo Costa and Josh Hewitt had a tense confrontation at UFC 328 that nearly escalated into a physical altercation. Security personnel were forced to step in and separate the two fighters before the situation could deteriorate further. The incident occurred during the UFC 328 event and was captured on camera. Details about what sparked the confrontation between Costa and Hewitt are limited in the report. The near-fight added drama to the UFC 328 proceedings.
A backstage confrontation between Paulo Costa and Josh Hewitt nearly turned physical at UFC 328, with security personnel stepping in to separate the two middleweights before the situation could escalate further. The incident was caught on camera during the event, which took place on May 9, 2026.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," is a 35-year-old Brazilian middleweight ranked 13th in the division with a professional record of 16-4-0. Fighting out of Team Borracha in an orthodox stance, the six-foot-one striker boasts one of the most aggressive output rates in the weight class, landing an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. His grappling output is minimal, reflecting a fighter who prefers to settle matters on the feet.
Specific details about what triggered the confrontation between Costa and Hewitt remain limited, and it is unclear whether any formal complaints or disciplinary proceedings followed the incident.
Why it matters
- Costa is ranked 13th at middleweight, and any behavioral incident could attract scrutiny from UFC matchmakers and the commission
- The altercation adds a layer of personal tension that could factor into future matchmaking between the two fighters
- Camera footage of the near-fight raises the possibility of official review by the promotion
Saturday, May 9, 2026
