Paulo Costa is set to return to the octagon this Saturday, July 19, 2025, at UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he will face Roman Kopylov in a highly anticipated middleweight bout. With his recent performances under scrutiny, Costa aims to rekindle the fierce fighting style that once made him a dominant contender, focusing on an aggressive approach that could lead to an early finish.

Costa’s recent struggles and quest to regain his former power

Ranked 13th in the UFC Middleweight division, Paulo Costa has endured a challenging stretch, losing four of his last five fights. His last match ended in a split decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302. Despite this setback, Costa showed flashes of his old explosive power during UFC 298, briefly stunning former champion Robert Whittaker with a spinning heel kick. Nonetheless, his recent bouts have lacked the relentless energy and pressure-based style fans once adored.

Costa’s mission to reconnect with his old fighting identity

Seeking to rediscover the aggressive “Borrachinha” persona, Costa has been ramping up his training with an emphasis on chasing down opponents and delivering powerful strikes. He shared his mindset with UFC reporter Ariel Helwani, saying,

“I just feel I needed a new refresh… be connected with my old style, that style to chase, to be more aggressive, to bring back the power of the old days.”

—Paulo Costa

He further explained,

“You know, the fans and people around me always asked me to come back with this kind of style of fighting. So, yeah, I was looking for that [in my training], and this is who I am.”

—Paulo Costa

Expectations for a swift and decisive fight at UFC 318

Confident in his preparation and strategy, Costa predicts a short and intense fight against the skilled southpaw Roman Kopylov. He stated,

“This fight is going to be short, not 15 minutes, no way. Maybe two rounds, maybe in the first round. I think this is going to be a good collision, two guys looking for a finish. I will be there to finish this fight since the very first minute.”

—Paulo Costa

Analyzing the challenge presented by Roman Kopylov

Costa faces a formidable opponent in Roman Kopylov, who holds the No. 14 spot in the middleweight rankings and comes into UFC 318 riding a two-fight winning streak. Known for a high-risk, high-reward striking style, Kopylov recently secured a highlight-reel head-kick knockout against Curtis. Despite the danger posed by Kopylov’s southpaw stance and striking arsenal, Costa remains unfazed.

Regarding Kopylov, Costa remarked,

“This is a very important [fight] for me. This is a great matchup. He is a striker and he’s southpaw. I know how to fight against southpaws. I know he’s dangerous. He has good kicks and a good straight left hand, but I’m very prepared for that. I’m excited and happy for this fight. I think he can bring a great fight for me and him, of course. For everyone, for the audience.”

—Paulo Costa

The significance of UFC 318 for Costa’s career trajectory

For Paulo Costa, this fight represents more than just another matchup; it is a crucial opportunity to reclaim the aggressive identity that defined his early success. Fans and analysts alike are watchful, wondering if Costa can overcome recent setbacks and reestablish himself as a feared competitor in the middleweight division. With UFC 318 only days away, anticipation is high for a thrilling contest that could either revive Costa’s career momentum or deepen his struggles.