Report: Paulo Costa Allegedly Elbowed Nurse in Vaccination Card Dispute

Former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa has been accused of striking a nurse with an elbow during a dispute over a COVID-19 vaccination card, according to a report from Globo.

The alleged incident occurred at a shopping center on Monday night in Contagem, Brazil, when Costa arrived and said he wanted to be vaccinated. However, the fighter then reportedly attempted to leave with the card before the shot was administered.

"The card was filled out. The workers said that, at the time of application, he did not accept to be vaccinated. He wanted to leave with the card and they did not accept it. At that moment, a nurse was elbowed,” municipal guard Marco Mota said.

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Costa, however, provided Mota with a different account.

"He said he got the vaccine, but the nurses didn't let him go out with the card,” Mota said. “He said it generated stress. He took the card and left. At that moment, a nurse grabbed him by the arm and he broke free.”

According to the report, the 26-year-old nurse suffered a swollen lip but did not require medical attention. Both Costa and the nurse were taken to the Contagem Duty Police Station, where they were questioned about the incident. Costa was released after giving a statement to police. The alleged victim filed a criminal complaint, and “Borrachinha” will have to appear in court for a hearing at a later date.

Costa is expected to make his Octagon return against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278 on Aug. 20.