Paulo Borrachinha challenges middleweight giant and surprises with 'gay clause' for UFC fight.

Paulo Borrachinha is a standout in the UFC middleweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

PUBLICITY:

Paulo Borrachinha has already set his next target in the UFC. After his convincing victory over Roman Kopylov , the Brazilian wants to advance in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) and took to social media to challenge Reinier de Ridder . However, the invitation to the Dutchman didn't come easily, as the former title challenger added an unusual clause to the challenge.

See too

Ian Garry taunts Leon Edwards and jabs at Carlos Prates while commenting on his UFC 322 victory: 'Thank you, son'

Belal Muhammad accuses Ian Garry of 'relying' on his wife's creativity ahead of UFC Qatar.

What?! Dana White shocks the MMA world by revealing Francis Ngannou's abuse.

In a post on 'X', formerly Twitter, Paulo Borrachinha suggested that the confrontation should take place on the condition that the loser be considered gay, accompanying the provocation with an LGBT flag emoji.

"Ridder vs. Costa. Whoever loses is gay," wrote Paulo Borrachinha.

Ridder x Costa. Whoever loses is gay. ️‍

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) November 19, 2025

Although he expressed interest in sharing the octagon with Reinier De Ridder , Paulo Borrachinha already had the opportunity to face the Dutchman and didn't take advantage of it. Weeks before UFC Vancouver , held on October 18th, Anthony Hernandez — then scheduled to face the former ONE FC champion — suffered an injury and had to withdraw from the card. Among the first names invited to replace him was the Brazilian fighter, who chose to decline the offer.

With Borrachinha's refusal, Brendan Allen took the spot and ended up defeating Reinier De Ridder , after the Dutchman decided not to return for the fifth round.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.