After a three-year winless stretch, Paulo Costa made a commanding comeback at UFC 318, decisively defeating Roman Kopylov. The Brazilian middleweight showcased his skills and reclaimed his standing in the division by overwhelming Kopylov in a performance that prevented any doubt about his abilities. Alongside his victory, Costa disclosed that his earnings for the fight totaled an impressive $921,000, highlighting his renewed momentum within the UFC.
Costa’s triumph did more than end his losing streak; it reestablished him as a major contender in the middleweight class. Displaying confidence and his trademark brashness, he not only shared his fight payout but also teased unusual and bold investment ideas, hinting at ventures linked to cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin and a token called $Giga.
Crypto Investments and Future Financial Plans
Following UFC 318, Paulo Costa posted photos from a casino alongside reflections on his financial strategies, joking that he planned to
“buy it all of $Giga and Bitcoin.”
This comment, although humorous on the surface, aligns with Costa’s known interest in cryptocurrency. He has a history of managing crypto assets, having previously sold nine Bitcoins in 2024 to pursue other investments, while expressing intent to repurchase Bitcoin only if the price falls.
Currently, Bitcoin’s value remains relatively stable with limited volatility, but Costa appears willing to re-enter the crypto market, anticipating upward growth over time. His approach to investment extends beyond financial markets to include calculated moves in his fighting career, as evidenced by his intensified training efforts alongside fellow middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev in preparation for UFC 319.
Challenging Khamzat Chimaev: A Rivalry Rekindled
Costa’s resurgence was for no small reason. After UFC 318, he immediately directed his focus toward Khamzat Chimaev, reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the two fighters. During his post–fight celebration, Costa forcefully called out Chimaev, stating,
“Everybody knows I hate that guy, everybody knows who, that mother——r [Khamzat] Chimaev [is]. He’s a big a——e. He says bad things about me about [my wife]. He is a coward. I’m going to chase you. I will not stop until I get to you.”
—Paulo Costa, UFC Fighter
The feud between Costa and Chimaev dates back to an incident at the UFC Performance Institute in September 2022 and has included heated exchanges in media appearances. The two were scheduled to fight at UFC 294, but Costa withdrew due to a staph infection, postponing the anticipated showdown.
Chimaev responded sarcastically on social media to Costa’s recent comments with,
“It was she who wrote to me, habibi.”
—Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Fighter
While Chimaev is currently focused on a title fight, fans and analysts remain eager to see a potential bout between these rivals. Despite the tension and provocations, it remains uncertain if UFC President Dana White will arrange their confrontation.
UFC 318 Fight Breakdown: Costa’s Tactical Domination Over Kopylov
In the fight against Roman Kopylov, Paulo Costa executed a strategic plan centered on his powerful kicking game. He controlled the pace throughout and landed consistent strikes that weakened Kopylov round after round, nearly finishing the bout in the second round. Though Kopylov managed to survive the intense assault, the judges unanimously awarded the fight to Costa, confirming his return to form after consecutive losses.
Importance of Costa’s Victory and Its Future Implications
Paulo Costa’s commanding win at UFC 318 and the revelation of his payout underscore his elevated status within the UFC middleweight division. His aggressive pursuit of high-profile opponents like Khamzat Chimaev and ongoing rivalry with Reinier De Ridder indicate a fighter poised to reassert dominance. Meanwhile, Costa’s financial activities, notably his flirtation with cryptocurrency investments, demonstrate how athletes increasingly diversify their earnings beyond the octagon.
Looking ahead, Costa’s training partnership with Chimaev and vocal callouts set the stage for potential blockbuster matchups. These developments could reshape the division’s landscape and bring heightened attention to forthcoming UFC events.