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NEW YORK – 1969: Austrian Bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (billed as Arnold Strong ‘Mr. Universe’) in a scene from the Trimark Pictures movie ‘Hercules In New York’ in 1969 in New York city, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK – 1969: Austrian Bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (billed as Arnold Strong ‘Mr. Universe’) in a scene from the Trimark Pictures movie ‘Hercules In New York’ in 1969 in New York city, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Arnold Schwarzenegger ruled the bodybuilding scene in his prime. Even after he departed the professional bodybuilding circuit, ‘Arnie’ continued to be one of the most popular names in America, courtesy of his Hollywood run and political career later on. Thus, he has a diverse fan base that includes a former UFC title challenger. This fighter even revealed that ‘The Terminator‘ star inspired his nickname.
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One of the most ferocious middleweight fighters in the UFC, Paulo Costa, is built like a Greek God. The Brazilian goes by multiple nicknames, ‘The Eraser’ being one of them.
At the UFC 241 post-fight press conference, Paulo Costa talked about meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger backstage and informing him about the origin of his nickname. The then-undefeated middleweight said, “I’m a very fan of Schwarzenegger.”
“When the captain Eric Albarracin show me him he was very good of that octagon and I say, ‘hey Arnold, my nickname comes from you because my coach show me you move and how I watch your move and captain say Paulo now you are The Eraser.'”
Paulo Costa even shared the Hollywood megastar’s words with the press- “He say, ‘man, I know’; I don’t know who tell him, to Schwarzenegger, about me but he say, ‘I know, I am very grateful for you. Thank you’.”
The middleweight fighter was just coming off an absolute war over another fitness enthusiast – Yoel Romero (UFC 241). They had a grueling back-and-forth contest, which featured an amusing moment. ‘Borrachinha’ went to the judges’ scorecards for the first time in his career and claimed a unanimous decision victory.
As English is not his first language, ‘The Eraser’ struggled to say the ‘Eraser’ star’s name
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been at many UFC events over the years
Conan the Governor has been a big fan of combat sports, which perhaps comes from his bodybuilding roots. ‘Arnie’ has met and praised the likes of former UFC dual champion Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre in the past.
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While most of his interactions with the fighters have been pleasant, there has been an incident where a fighter confronted Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
However, in general, Arnold Schwarzenegger has nothing but praise for martial arts athletes. Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan has occasionally talked about the 7-time Mr. Olympia winner on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
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What do you make of Paulo Costa’s interaction narration with Arnold Schwarzenegger? Share your views in the comments below.
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