Paulo Costa aiming for boxing match soon

Paulo Costa isn't usually the first fighter on people's minds when talk of an MMA fighter crossing over into boxing arises. That, however, hasn't stopped 'Borrachinha' from expressing his desire to take part in a boxing match sooner rather than later.

Paulo Costa eyes boxing debut

Crossover boxing matches have been part of the combat sports world for a few years now. It first began when Conor McGregor took on the great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match back in 2017. Despite his best efforts, McGregor was ultimately TKO'd in round 10, but walked away with the biggest purse of his career. Ever since then, UFC fighters have pursued boxing matches, largely to no avail. Now, UFC light heavyweight and former middleweight contender Paulo Costa has made his plans for a boxing debut clear on social media.

"I want to boxing soon."

Unfortunately for Costa, he's unlikely to get his wish unless he parts ways with the UFC, as the promotion has shown very little interest in allowing its fighters to box and risk any injuries that could compromise plans for future UFC fights.

I want to boxing soon 🥊

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) August 14, 2026

Costa is currently on a two-fight win streak on the MMA front, having regained momentum after a rough patch had relegated him to an afterthought. He was once an undefeated middleweight, with a 13-0 record consisting of 12 finishes and just one decision. Then, he challenged then middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 253. It was a one-sided affair, as Costa was dominated en route to a second-round TKO loss, before being subjected to a humiliating post-fight celebration from Adesanya, who humped him while he was still dazed from the finish. It was the beginning of a 1-4 run that even saw him lose to the likes of Marvin Vettori.

However, he has since bounced back by beating Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision at UFC 318 in what was 'Borrachinha's' final middleweight bout, then TKO'ing Azamat Murzakanov in round three at UFC 327 at light heavyweight. Though he's hoping for a boxing match, he has no shortage of fighters eager to fight him in the UFC.