UFC 294 has been one of the most hyped events of the year. With some frantic last-minute changes to the card, the UFC pulled one out of the bag to save the event. However, Paulo Costa who was present ringside, seemingly wanted to join in on the action too.
For the most part, the event in Abu Dhabi has been one of the most action-packed we’ve seen this year. Along with the action inside the Octagon, the Etihad Arena itself made for an electric atmosphere. As the fights came through one after the other, the fans grew ever more euphoric. Amongst them was UFC middleweight Paulo Costa, seated alongside his girlfriend Tamara Alves.
PAULO COSTA GETTING IN FIGHTS IN ABU DHABI ONE WAY OR ANOTHER #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/cmIKP0ve1y
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 21, 2023
As it turns out, Costa (14-2-0) ended up getting into a fight with a fan during the event. Whilst it is unknown as to what led to the fight, a fan could be seen surfing a crowd of bodyguards to try and hit Costa. Further, as the fan was being led away, the Brazilian could be seen trying to get a jab in himself.
Fortunately, the matter did not escalate into an all-out brawl and the #6 ranked middleweight remained relatively unscathed. Following the brawl, Costa immediately took to Twitter/ X and gave an update on his situation. As such, Costa did not seem to get even a scratch on him and had promptly taken his seat again at ringside.
Paulo Costa was meant to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
Naturally, videos and clips of the scuffle soon flooded social media as fans raced to react to the situation. For the most part, many found the situation incredibly funny as it is not the first time a fight has broken out in the arena. In previous events, we have seen Khamzat Chimaev get into a brawl with Abubakar Nurmagomedov at UFC 280 as well.
Soon thereafter, Costa took to X to repost clips of his brawl, asking fans to send more of his highlights. As such, he wrote, “I told you guys I could fight tonight.” Showing that he was more than capable of fighting, ‘Borrachinha’ took many digs at Chimaev, who took on Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of the night. Although Chimaev won his fight via majority decision, Costa was not at all impressed with the performance.
Don’t mess with me lil chenchen I send you back home with smack straight in ur big forehead 😂😂 my right arm is working already 🔥🧃🤜🔪 pic.twitter.com/3mN1ATrWsw
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 21, 2023
Where is the footages? I want to see my highlights lol https://t.co/0RNR1Ee2uW
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 21, 2023
As such, Costa, who was originally meant to face Chimaev, wrote, “Smoking chicken lungs lol I’m just laughing.” Unfortunately, only days removed from the fight, Costa was declared unfit to fight by the medical department due to an injury in his elbow. Revealing that he had recently undergone surgery on his elbow, there were doubts that Costa would make the fight. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts the fight was canceled with Usman stepping in on short notice.
Thus, it is expected that Costa will call for a fight with Chimaev again. Seeing the rivalry between the fighters, the UFC could be tempted to take another chance with the matchup. Should the fight materialize again, it is evident that Costa favors himself in the matchup and will have to do his best to convince the UFC brass of the same.