Paulo Costa has announced he intends to fight in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He stated his goal is not just to compete in both weight classes, but to become a title contender in each. Costa clarified that he is not fighting at light heavyweight because he cannot make middleweight. He explained that everything is planned and he simply received a good opportunity to compete at 205 pounds. The Brazilian has not specified a timeline for when he will alternate between the two divisions.
Paulo Costa has announced plans to compete across two weight classes simultaneously, targeting contender status at both middleweight and light heavyweight.
The Brazilian slugger, ranked 13th in the middleweight division, carries a 16-4-0 professional record and has built his reputation as one of the most aggressive strikers in the UFC. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the 35-year-old orthodox fighter out of Team Borracha lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — numbers that rank among the best in his division. Costa was direct in addressing any skepticism about his move up to 205 pounds, stating clearly that his body's ability to make the middleweight limit is not in question. He described the opportunity to compete at light heavyweight as simply a good one that presented itself as part of a broader plan.
Costa added that everything has been mapped out, though he stopped short of providing a specific timeline for how he intends to rotate between the two divisions.
Why it matters
- A ranked middleweight pursuing title contention at 205 pounds adds intrigue to both divisions simultaneously
- Costa's elite striking volume and accuracy could translate well against the larger frames at light heavyweight
- His clarification that the move is opportunity-driven rather than weight-cut-driven keeps his middleweight standing intact
- No confirmed opponents or dates have been announced for either division, leaving the path forward open
