UFC middleweight Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa allegedly attacked a nurse this week, and was questioned by police in the matter. Allegedly, Costa wanted a vaccination card to clear him for travel to the US, but did not want to get the vaccine itself. When the nurse tried to prevent Costa from grabbing the card and leaving the clinic with it, he threw an elbow, and local police had to get involved.
Through Instagram, Costa and his team have issued a statement denying the accusation. “The recent articles published by the media involving athlete Paulo Costa – ‘Borrachinha’ referring to what happened in a shopping mall in the city of Contagem/MG generated questions, so we must present come clarifications.
Paulo Costa Issues Statement Following Accusation That He Hit a Nurse
First, tending to sensationalism, these are reckless and inconsistent. The athlete Paulo Costa – ‘Borrachinha’ and his entire team reject any type of violence. ‘Borrachinha’ is a high-performing athlete, full time dedicated to training, to following the rules, guidelines, and disciplines.
According his philosophy and human conduct this kind of allegations are completely incompatible with his history and way of life.
The accusations and facts narrated do not reflect the reality of what happened. The fact will be carefully investigated and the appropriate legal measures for their perfect clarification will be taken.”
Costa was released following police questioning, and the nurse confirmed that she did not require medical attention. She did file a criminal complaint.
Paulo Costa will attempt to address his two-fight skid in an upcoming bout against Luke Rockhold. Costa’s in-Octagon fortunes have been less than stellar recently, with Costa losing to the champ Israel Adesanya before a second loss to fellow contender Marvin Vettori. The Vettori fight saw Costa twenty-five pounds over the middleweight limit of 185.
“Borrachinha” was fined, with a portion of his purse allocated to Vettori. UFC President Dana White, at the time, said that he was going to keep Costa away from the middleweight division and force him to fight at light heavyweight, although the Rockhold fight looks as if it will take place at 185 pounds.
That’s if the Luke Rockhold fight is allowed to take place at all, which at this point is looking unlikely. Considering Paulo Costa’s vaccination status, and the CDC’s ruling that unvaccinated non-citizens cannot enter the United States, he may not even be able to enter the country.
What do you think about Paulo Costa’s altercation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
