Today we will know more about Paulo Costa, also known to some as “UFC’s meme god”
Paulo Henrique Costa, born on April 21, 1991, is a renowned figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), known for his explosive fighting style and his captivating meme game. Hailing from Contagem, Brazil, Paulo’s journey in combat sports began at a young age when he took up Muay Thai to learn discipline and steer clear of street fights that he often found himself involved in.
In February 2012, Costa made his professional MMA debut in his home country of Brazil. Determined to pursue his martial arts career, Paulo’s brother convinced their mother to provide financial support for a year. Over the next five years, he showcased his incredible skills and amassed an impressive record of 8-0, with 7 knockouts and 1 submission.
Recognizing his talent, Costa was chosen to compete on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3,” a reality show that showcases up-and-coming MMA fighters. This opportunity served as a platform for Paulo to make his promotional debut on March 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 106. He faced Garreth McLellan and emerged victorious with a TKO in the first round, earning his first “Performance of the Night” award.
Paulo Costa’s success continued in the UFC as he went on to win his first five fights, defeating notable opponents such as Uriah Hall and Yoel Romero. His impressive physique, striking power, and dynamic fighting style garnered him a significant fan base. However, it was his highly anticipated title shot against Israel Adesanya that brought him both adoration and criticism.
During the promotion leading up to the fight, Costa engaged in a war of words with Adesanya, even disrespecting him by throwing a white belt and hurling verbal insults. Unfortunately, the outcome did not favor Costa, as Adesanya outclassed him in the fight, resulting in a loss. This turn of events caused many of Paulo’s once-loyal fans to turn against him.
The situation worsened when Costa missed weight in his subsequent fight against Marvin Vettori, showing no signs of remorse or guilt. In a shocking revelation, Paulo admitted to consuming a bottle of wine the night before his title fight with Adesanya in an attempt to fall asleep. This revelation infuriated fans and shattered the image of the destructive fighter he once embodied.
Despite the backlash on social media, Paulo Costa’s sense of humor and meme skills served as a shield against the hate. Prior to his fight against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278, Paulo amused fans with a plethora of memes, particularly those related to his “Secret Juice.” Many questioned whether his impressive physique was a result of performance-enhancing substances, but Costa repeatedly passed the stringent anti-doping tests conducted by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Paulo cleverly transformed the speculation into a meme, attributing his physique to the “Secret Juice.” His victory over Rockhold further elevated his meme game and transformed him from an explosive, serious fighter into the funniest personality in the UFC.
While Paulo Costa’s journey has had its ups and downs, he remains resilient and determined to succeed. Although a scheduled bout with Khamzat Chimaev was derailed due to an injury, Costa is now set to face Robert Whittaker at UFC 298 in the co-main event. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Costa in action once again, not only for his impressive fighting skills but also for the laughter his hilarious memes bring. Let us wish the owner of the “Secret Juice” the best of luck in his upcoming fights and hope for many more entertaining moments both inside and outside the Octagon.