Paulo borrachinha During his training camp for UFC 327. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
With six weeks to go before his return to the octagon, Paulo borrachinha He is dedicating himself to a new division. The fighter from Minas Gerais, who has a fight scheduled against... Azamat Murzakanov Speaking at UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami (USA), he went into detail about his move from middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in an interview.
During a conversation with journalist Ariel Helwani, the fighter from Minas Gerais explained that the 83,9 kg division "was a little slow." According to the fighter, there were no available opponents. Given this scenario, Borrachinha revealed that he had a good opportunity to face a ranked opponent in the light heavyweight division. The Brazilian didn't specify a date, but assured that he can return to middleweight whenever he wants.
“There was a good opportunity to face someone well-ranked in the light heavyweight category. The middleweight division was a bit slow. Nobody was available, so this is a good fight, a good opportunity to face a great fighter. I can make 83,9 kg at any time… I just saw the opportunity, so, I don’t know, let’s see what happens after this fight,” Borrachinha said in an interview.
Paulo Costa on his move to light heavyweight — and reveals he still plans to fight at middleweight:
"There was a good opportunity to fight someone well-ranked at light heavyweight. Middleweight was a little bit slow. Nobody was available, so this is a good match, a good… pic.twitter.com/Owf5DihU6l
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 2, 2026
See too
Paulo Borrachinha almost fought at UFC 326.
Paulo borrachinha is a former middleweight title challenger. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
Before his presence at UFC 327 was confirmed, Borrachinha was scheduled to fight fellow Brazilian Brunno Hulk at UFC 326.The fight, scheduled for March 7th, was removed from the card for reasons that have not been officially clarified. The bout was to be in the middleweight division, where he is currently ranked 12th.
Now, the fighter returns to the light heavyweight division after four years trying to write a different chapter in the category. For your information, this will be his second fight in the division. Previously, the fighter from Minas Gerais was defeated by... Marvin vettori via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 196 in October 2021.
It's worth remembering that, on that occasion, the athlete failed to make the 83,9 kg weight limit, and the fight was moved to 93 kg at the last minute. Officially, this will be his first fight in the light heavyweight division, but in fact, the Brazilian has already had experience fighting in the weight class above middleweight.
You need login To comment.