Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes that Paulo Costa’s recent struggles in the UFC stem from a mental block rather than a lack of physical ability. After fiercely climbing the ranks with an undefeated 13-0 record, Costa’s career took a sharp downturn following his knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 in September 2020, a fight preceded by self-sabotaging behavior including drinking wine the night before.
Since then, the Brazilian contender has lost three of his last four bouts, raising questions about what’s holding him back from returning to his former dominance. Bisping highlights that Paulo Costa’s issues go beyond skills inside the Octagon, suggesting a mental hurdle is preventing him from reaching his potential again.
Bisping Emphasizes the Need for Mental Support in a Comeback
Michael Bisping expressed disappointment as he watched Paulo Costa’s downfall, labeling him “Mr. Inconsistent” and noting how the fighter has sometimes become the subject of memes. While Costa’s social media presence is entertaining, Bisping is concerned about his in-cage performances.
He explained that Costa’s losses are not due to a physical deficiency but rather a psychological struggle, calling him “his own worst enemy.” Bisping stated,
“Athletically, physically, he’s very gifted, but I think he’s lacking a little bit upstairs. I don’t mean that as an insult. I mean, there’s a mental disconnect, [and] a sports psychologist would definitely help him.” —Michael Bisping, Former UFC Middleweight Champion
This suggests that addressing the mental block through professional psychological support could be key to helping Costa regain his footing in the highly competitive middleweight division.
Upcoming Fight Could Define Paulo Costa’s UFC Future
Paulo Costa will have a crucial opportunity to turn his trajectory around at UFC 318, where he is scheduled to face rising middleweight contender Roman Kopylov. The bout will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, right before the highly anticipated third matchup between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway.
A victory for Costa could propel him back into title contention, but another loss may seriously jeopardize his UFC career, possibly leading to his release. Bisping shared his outlook on the upcoming fight, saying,
“I’m not sure if [Kopylov] knocks out Paulo Costa,”
“But I’m very confident he gets the job done.” —Michael Bisping, UFC Hall of Famer
This prediction adds pressure on Costa to overcome both his opponent and the mental barriers that have hampered his recent performances.
The Importance of Overcoming Mental Hurdles in MMA
Paulo Costa’s situation highlights how mental resilience plays a critical role in professional mixed martial arts, where physical talent alone does not guarantee success. The ongoing difficulties and public scrutiny make a comeback even more challenging, underscoring why mental health support is vital for fighters facing setbacks.
If Costa can address the psychological issues Bisping identified, he may still revive his career and reclaim his place among the UFC middleweight elite. The upcoming fight will serve as a significant indicator of whether he can break through this mental block and regain his competitive edge.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Paulo Costa ranked?
A. Paulo Henrique Costa, born on April 21, 1991, is a mixed martial artist from Brazil. He fights in the Middleweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of June 10, 2025, he holds the 13th spot in the UFC middleweight rankings.
Q. What rank is Paulo Costa?
A. By June 10, 2025, he is ranked as the 13th best fighter in the UFC’s middleweight class.