Michael Bisping, UFC commentator and former champion, asserts that Paulo Costa’s biggest obstacle going into UFC 318 is not his physical ability but his mental state. The fight, scheduled for tonight, pits Costa against Roman Kopylov, providing Costa an opportunity to silence critics who question if he has reached his limit in the sport.
Despite notable achievements in his career, including a shot at the world title, Costa has been mired by recent defeats. His inconsistent performances have raised doubts about his future in mixed martial arts, yet he remains intent on proving his resilience inside the octagon.
Bisping’s Perspective on Costa’s Current Struggles
In a detailed commentary on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping described Costa as
“Mr. Inconsistent, Paulo Costa, ‘Borrachinha,’ who’s kind of turned into a bit of a meme.”
He acknowledged Costa’s entertaining presence on social media but contrasted that with his underwhelming in-cage performances and tough competition.
Bisping elaborated, saying,
“He’s a very funny guy to follow on social media. Some of the stuff that he posts is absolutely hilarious. But what’s not so funny is the performances inside of the octagon, and the strength of schedule that he’s had.”
—Michael Bisping, UFC commentator
He pinpointed mental barriers as the root cause of Costa’s losses:
“The reason he’s losing is because it seems like a mental block,”
Bisping said, urging Costa to aggressively confront Kopylov, who presents a younger, taller, and more explosive challenge.
Bisping further analyzed Costa’s recent fight against Sean Strickland:
“Against Sean Strickland, Costa just didn’t do enough. He allowed Strickland to control the fight with just the jab. Strickland didn’t really do much. It wasn’t exactly a barnburner of a fight, but Paulo Costa is his own worst enemy. 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. A sports psychologist would definitely help him.”
—Michael Bisping, UFC commentator
What This Means for Paulo Costa’s Future
Paulo Costa’s upcoming bout against Roman Kopylov stands as a critical test of whether he can overcome the internal challenges Bisping highlighted. With Kopylov’s youth and momentum, Costa must demonstrate not just physical strength but also mental focus to remain relevant in the UFC middleweight division.
The significance of this fight extends beyond the win-loss record; it may determine Costa’s ability to regain confidence and push past his recent setbacks. If he can break through these psychological barriers, he could revitalize his career and silence the doubters who question his ceiling.