Paulo Costa Reacts To PED Accusations
The UFC may have a new middleweight star in 26-year-old Brazilian knockout artist Paulo Costa.
Costa is currently undefeated in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career with a record of 11-0. He has finished all three of his UFC bouts via knockout in either the first or second rounds. Costa’s most recent Octagon appearance saw him take home a second round TKO win over ex-UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks at UFC 217 this past weekend.
There’s no doubt that MMA fans have been talking about Costa as of late, however, it may not be for the right reasons. Costa is one of the most physically gifted fighters on the UFC’s roster today, but some believe that he may have sought help from performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) to help him get into better shape.
It seems as though it’s nearly impossible to get away with such a crime given the UFC’s partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and their rigorous drug testing policy, but that hasn’t stopped the criticism from being hurled Costa’s way.
Look at 💉boy a year ago.U have my promise. Will kick your arse, if my title path detours.Easy money😂 you’re a fraud! @BorrachinhaMMA pic.twitter.com/3LmRxVFSbt
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 8, 2017
Costa has heard enough of these criticisms and took to MMA Fighting to voice his displeasure with them. In fact, the Brazilian revealed that he has been tested more than 15 times by USADA, and called out the likes of Derek Brunson for questioning his honor (quotes via MMA Mania):
“I fight clean,” Costa. “It’s crazy because USADA is here for everybody. Everybody is tested. Derek Brunson talks a lot of shit about me but he (won’t fight) because he has fear, he’s scared. He don’t want to fight against me, so he creates excuses. ‘Ah, you don’t fight clean,’ but I have my tests with USADA. I called UFC Brazil to send me all my tests and put on my social media. I have more than 15 tests.”
