Paulo Costa drew unusual attention ahead of his UFC 318 fight last Saturday, as a viral video showed him shaking uncontrollably during the pre-fight press conference. While most fans focused on the headline bout between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, Costa entered the event facing immense pressure to revive his career after two consecutive defeats.
The former UFC middleweight title challenger had lost decisively to Robert Whittaker and then narrowly fallen to Sean Strickland at UFC 302, making his upcoming fight against Roman Kopylov crucial. Despite these setbacks, Costa’s unsettling shaking during the media event raised questions among fans, who wondered if substance use was involved.
Explanation of the Shaking: ‘Legal Injections’ and Intense Energy
Following the viral spread of the video, Costa addressed the unusual behavior, offering clarity on what had caused his visible tremors before his bout with Kopylov. He revealed that the shaking was due to injections of vitamins he received from a UFC sponsor, which he described as completely legal.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Costa said,
“Too much energy, too much real power, real desire to win, you know, I was trusting on this victory and I think NAD, the vitamin,”
and added,
“NAD plus. There’s a company that sponsor the UFC, they sent me some vitamins, it’s injections. Legal injections, I took some injections and it made me so energetic,”
clarifying that the injections increased his energy levels substantially. The exact nature of these vitamins remains unclear, but Costa emphasized their legality and sponsorship backing.
Despite the earlier concerns, Costa showed no signs of impairment during his fight. He delivered a powerful performance, knocking down Roman Kopylov and securing an important comeback victory that halted his losing streak.
Costa’s Pursuit of a Fight Against Khamzat Chimaev Intensifies
With momentum restored, Paulo Costa has his sights set on a high-profile matchup against Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev is scheduled to face Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319, set to take place in Chicago in less than a month. In an effort to increase his chances of securing a fight with Chimaev, Costa plans to travel to Chicago and be present during the event’s fight week.
The rivalry between Costa and Chimaev has been growing in recent months, but their contentious history means UFC officials might restrict Costa’s attendance at UFC 319, considering Chimaev has a reputation for provoking physical confrontations during fight week. Costa’s decision to be in Chicago reflects his determination to push for this potential bout despite these risks.
Importance of Costa’s UFC 318 Win and what Lies Ahead
Paulo Costa’s victory at UFC 318 marks a pivotal moment in his career, halting a damaging losing streak and restoring hope for a return to title contention. The explanation behind his pre-fight shaking helped alleviate concerns about his physical condition and demonstrated the lengths he is willing to go to regain form.
As UFC 319 approaches, all eyes will be on Costa’s efforts to challenge Khamzat Chimaev, a fight that could reshape the middleweight and welterweight landscapes. Costa’s recent performance and his visible desire to win suggest he remains a dangerous competitor, ready to reestablish himself among the division’s elite.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Paulo Costa in the UFC?
A. By June 10, 2025, he holds the 13th spot in the UFC’s middleweight rankings.