Paulo Costa announced his intention to fight in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions moving forward. The Brazilian contender stated he plans to be a title contender in each weight class simultaneously. Costa clarified that his move to light heavyweight is not because he cannot make middleweight, but rather part of a strategic plan. He explained that he recently received a good opportunity to compete at 205 pounds and took advantage of it. Costa emphasized this is a calculated decision rather than a necessity. His dual-division ambitions represent an aggressive approach to maximizing his career opportunities in the UFC.
Paulo Costa has announced plans to compete across two weight classes simultaneously, targeting contender status at both middleweight and light heavyweight in the UFC.
The Brazilian fighter, known as "The Eraser," carries a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division. Costa is 35 years old and trains out of Team Borracha. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, he has built his reputation as one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent. His offensive output is almost entirely stand-up based, with just 0.32 takedowns per fifteen minutes and no submission attempts on record.
Costa was direct in framing his move to 205 pounds as a choice rather than a necessity. He stated that he cannot make middleweight is simply not the reason for the shift — instead, a favorable opportunity to compete at light heavyweight presented itself and he took it. His stated goal is to pursue title contention in both divisions at the same time, a notably ambitious target given the depth of competition in each weight class.
Why it matters
- Costa remains an active presence at middleweight despite the dual-division move, holding a ranking of thirteenth in the division
- A push into light heavyweight adds a second title path for one of MMA's most prolific strikers
- His pure striking profile — high volume, high accuracy, minimal grappling output — will face a different physical challenge against the larger frames typical of 205-pound competition
- Success at light heavyweight while maintaining middleweight standing could significantly elevate his profile in both divisions
