The UFC 294 has witnessed a lot of changes within a couple of days. Changes include replacing both the Brazilians fighting in the main and co-main event, i.e. Charles Oliveira and Paulo Costa. After both fighters suffered from different injuries, Oliveira suffered from an incision on his eyebrow while Costa had to undergo elbow surgery.
Costa (14-2) was set to fight Khamzat Chimaev on October 12 but had to pull out around 10 days prior to the fight. What seems to be a normal elbow injury, now looks like it’s going to put “Borrachinha” in a predicament. Although his first surgery turned out to be successful, he has reached out to his fans with disturbing visuals.
Fight fans have been extremely critical of his withdrawal from the fight, which may have been hard on Costa. He has been staying in Abu Dhabi since the beginning of the month when he announced that he underwent a second surgery. With all the suffering he managed to remain hopeful to fight Khamzat. Costa recently revealed pictures and videos of his elbow injury.
Official speech about the medical impediment and remove from the fight on October 21st in Abudhabi. I will be back sooner than later . Thanks! 🧃🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/m0Rqe6fEAG
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 17, 2023
The injury which has now turned infectious has got the middleweight fighter really concerned. The visuals might be disturbing for some viewers, as seen in the picture provided, a chunk of his skin seems to be missing. A deep cavity was also seen on his elbow. As per reports, the infection seems to be caused by a Staph infection.
“Borrachina” has not fought for more than a year. His previous fight against Ikram Aliskerov scheduled to take place in July this year was also scrapped. If Paulo Costa had fought against Khamzat Chimaev, the Brazilian would have had the chance to fight Sean Strickland.
What does this mean for Paulo Costa?
The doctors have advised him to stay out of any activity related to his work for the next two weeks. Costa has also revealed how staying in his best physical shape and health have really helped in his recovery. So, this means that fans can expect Costa to get back into training after two weeks. Meanwhile, Borrachina will be eagerly waiting for this weekend’s fight and choose his next opponent then.
Paulo Costa’s combinations on Point #UFC294 #UFC pic.twitter.com/2CvBECwQuU
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 9, 2023
The “Borrachina” has fought big names in the division, including the likes of Luke Rockhold, Israel Adesanya, Marvin Vetorri, Uriah Hall, and Yoel Romero. His fight against Robert Whittaker was scrapped due to personal reasons. This fight could have given Costa to bounce back to the scene. However, his recovery will be the utmost thing his fans will want at this time.