“Heavyweight” Paulo Costa Indulges in Back & Forth With UFC Middleweight Derek Brunson

UFC fighter Paulo Costa has been on a calling-out streak in the last few days. After unsuccessfully trying to forge a rivalry with Sean Strickland, he has found another potential middleweight opponent.

Costa recently tweeted a challenge to Derek Brunson for a fight.

This led to an online feud between the two fighters, who took back-to-back digs at each other. Costa failed to convince UFC for a fight between him and Strickland, who will face Alex Pereira at UFC 277.

However, ‘Borrachinha’ won’t mind taking on Brunson, who recently lost to Jared Cannonier at UFC 271.

The two fighters went back and forth on social media, trolling and making snide remarks about each other. In the latest addition to the hilarious feud, Brunson posted a photoshopped picture, making fun of ‘Borrachinha’ for being an “unranked heavyweight”.

In reply, Costa also fired shots at him for not accepting his challenge for a fight in the cage.

Paulo ‘Borrachinha’ Costa had a good run inside UFC, winning his first five fights back-to-back. He earned a title shot against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, but couldn’t make the most of it. He then lost his next fight against Marvin Vettori less than six months ago but is ready to make his return.

Brunson fought his last fight at UFC 271 and lost to Cannonier via a second-round knockout. Derek Brunson (23-8) is at the dawn of his career and hence the 38-year-old MMA veteran is being a little careful with the fights he chooses inside the Octagon.

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But he doesn’t mind a funny back and forth with Costa on social media. Who knows, if the beef continues, UFC President Dana White might consider an actual fight between the two.

Paulo Costa believes he can make it to 185lbs

For his fight with Marvin Vettori, Costa was unable to make weight and received criticism for showing up 25 pounds above the middleweight limit. Dana White announced they cut his 20% fight purse as a punishment and claimed he will not fight at middleweight.

However, Costa has a differing view on the subject. He believes he knows the trick to making it in the middleweight division.

He answered a fan question on the subject, “I had no problem to do 185, to make 185 in the last seven years ago. I know the way to make 185. I know the magics to make 185 and will make 185 with no problem, don’t worry.”

‘Borrachinha’ has fought in the middleweight division most of his career. According to him, the reason behind not being able to make weight against Vettori was an injury to his bicep.

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He is still waiting for UFC to book his next fight but is taking this time to forge a rivalry in the middleweight category himself.

What do you think about the bitter yet funny online feud between Paulo Costa and Derek Brunson? Let us know in the comments down below.