Paulo Costa has announced his intention to fight in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. He aims to not only compete in both weight classes but to become a title contender in each category. Costa clarified that his decision to fight at light heavyweight is not because he cannot make middleweight, explaining that everything is planned and he simply received a good opportunity to compete at 205 pounds. The Brazilian emphasized that his current light heavyweight stint is strategic rather than out of necessity.
Paulo Costa has revealed plans to compete across two weight classes simultaneously, targeting contender status in both middleweight and light heavyweight.
The Brazilian slugger, known as "The Eraser," holds a 16-4 record and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC middleweight division. Costa is 35 years old and trains out of Team Borracha. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, he has long been considered a physical specimen at 185 pounds. His offensive output backs that reputation — he lands an exceptional 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more dangerous punchers in the division.
Costa was direct in addressing why he is stepping up to 205 pounds. He made clear the move is not driven by any inability to make the middleweight limit, describing the decision as strategic and opportunistic. He stated that everything is planned and that he simply received a strong opportunity to compete at light heavyweight, framing the stint as an addition to his schedule rather than a departure from his home division.
Why it matters
- Costa remains ranked at middleweight, so any success at 205 pounds would add significant value to his overall standing in the UFC.
- His volume striking and physical size could translate well to light heavyweight, where he would be fighting larger opponents.
- A two-division campaign is logistically ambitious, and how the UFC schedules him across both weight classes will be worth watching.
- At 35, Costa is operating with a sense of urgency, and pursuing title contention in two divisions reflects that competitive mindset.
