Paulo Costa Reveals Recent Elbow Surgery, Still Plans to Compete at UFC 294

How strong are u? U never really know until you get tested by fire 🔥 of life.
I did surgery 3 weeks ago , 10 seams size . But I know how tough I’m and continues improving and overcoming myself. It doesn’t stop me, still doing my things sparrings and everything. I’m so blessing… pic.twitter.com/gbClA66K7l

— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 9, 2023

Recent unplanned surgery will not keep Paulo Costa from his fight in November.

Renzo Gracie recently informed Sherdog that Costa had arrived to his apartment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Additionally, he mentioned that Costa had received surgery on his elbow in a procedure that would not put his UFC 294 appearance in jeopardy. On Monday, Costa posted publicly about his operation, with photographs showing his condition before and his training after.

“How strong are [you],” Costa asked. “[You] never really know until you get tested by fire of life. I had surgery 3 weeks ago, 10 [stitches total]. But I know how tough [I am] and [continue] improving and overcoming myself. It doesn’t stop me, still doing my things [with sparring] and everything. I’m so [blessed], [God] gives me exceptional condition, and surrounded me by great people.”

In addition to detailed images of the injury and photos in the hospital, Costa reassured fans by sharing images in which he appears with his arm completely stretched out. Per ESPN, Costa went under the knife for an infected bursa on his elbow. The middleweight contender also uploaded videos where he appears in sparring sessions apparently without limitations, and has no plans on withdrawing from his upcoming bout.

An active personality on social media, the Brazilian also expressed frustrations at what he considered persecution by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The most tested athlete on the UFC roster this year, with 33 tests of blood or urine thus far – and per USADA, over 135 tests in the last seven years – Costa revealed he had a special sample prepared for the drug testers. Fighters who pass 50 tests are given a jacket by the agency, and when Costa receives one, he plans on vengefully soiling it.

To be specific, Costa wrote, “When they bring that ugly jacket for me, [I’m] going to pee [on it].”

“Borrachinha” returns to the Octagon after more than a year away, due in part to a contractual dispute with the company. The UFC’s no. 6 middleweight battles unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294 on Oct. 21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In the headliner, Islam Makhachev runs it back with Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.