Paulo Costa, also known as “The Eraser” and “Borrachinha,” is a professional mixed martial artist from Brazil. Born on April 21, 1991, in Minas Gerais, Costa has become a outstanding figure in the UFC’s Middleweight division thanks to his aggressive fighting style and powerful striking abilities.
Early Career
Costa started his professional MMA career in Brazil in 2012. Driven by family support, especially encouragement from his brother, he compiled a strong early track record, amassing an 8–0 record with seven knockouts and one submission before being noticed on the international scene. He was selected for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 and, despite an eventual split decision exit, gained valuable exposure and experience.
UFC Journey
Costa made his UFC debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a top contender in the middleweight category. He became known for finishing fights, most of them by knockout or technical knockout, displaying ferocious power and pressure. Over the years, Costa has faced some of the division’s most talented fighters, earning high-profile bouts and main event slot.
Major Career Highlights
Notable Wins: Costa has ensured victories against UFC experts such as Uriah Hall, Johny Hendricks, and Yoel Romero. His fight against Romero at UFC 241 was lauded for its intensity and earned widespread acclaim.
Title Shot: Costa fight against Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 253 in September 2020. This high-profile fight ended in a loss, but solidified his status as an elite contender.
Recent Fights: He has continued competing at the highest level, facing former champions and top-ranked contenders like Robert Whittaker, Marvin Vettori, Luke Rockhold, Sean Strickland, and Roman Kopylov.
Stats and Records
| Category | Detail |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Division | Middleweight (UFC) |
| Height/Weight | 1.85 m / 83 kg (6’1″ / 185 lbs) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Pro Record | Key UFC wins: Romero, Hall, Hendricks |
| UFC Record | Multiple Fight Night bonuses |
| Methods of Victory | Predominately Knockout/TKO, some by Decision |
Recent Fight
- Won against Roman Kopylov in (UFC 318, July 2025) – Decision (unanimous).
- lost against Sean Strickland in (UFC 302, split decision), Robert Whittaker (UFC 298, unanimous decision).
Who is Tamara Alves?
Paulo Costa, the Brazilian UFC middleweight fighter, is dating Tamara Alves for a long time. Although often referred to in the media as his girlfriend, recent references indicate that Alves may be his fiancée or even wife, as her involvement in his life goes beyond the personal, she also manages aspects of his career and co-founded the fitness brand MundoFit with him. Alves, originally a civil engineer and now an MMA sports agent, is frequently seen at Costa’s side, especially around major fights, showing strong public support and partnership.
Net Worth
Brazilian UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa has an estimated net worth between $2 million and $3 million as of mid-2025, according to multiple reputable MMA salary aggregators. While some sources previously listed his net worth closer to $1 million, recent fight purses, such as a reported $700,000 base purse for his bout at UFC 318, suggest his overall career earnings, including endorsements and bonuses, have significantly boosted his value in the past year.
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Costa’s biggest single payout so far was for his fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 253, where he reportedly earned $1.23 million. Currently ranked #13 in the UFC middleweight division, Costa remains active and a prominent fan favorite, both for his performances in the cage and his headline-making personality outside it.
Paulo Costa remains a dangerous and entertaining contender in the UFC Middleweight rankings. Known for his toughness, athleticism, and ability to deliver thrilling fights, he continues to be a draw for fans and a challenging opponent for anyone in the division.
