It’s an understatement to say that Paulo Costa (12-0) has quickly risen up the ranks of the UFC’s middleweight division.
The undefeated Brazilian striker is 4-0 inside the Octagon, with every win coming by first- or second-round knockout, and he’s set himself up for a huge showdown with Cuban powerhouse Yoel Romero at UFC 230 in November. His best win to date is the then #9-ranked Uriah Hall, so getting matched up with the #1 contender even caught Costa off-guard.
“I was surprised, because the UFC put Chris Weidman to fight against Luke Rockhold and (gave) me the best of the division – the No.