TLDR
- Paulo Costa is requesting a UFC jacket after passing approximately 200 drug tests without violations
- Costa made the demand after watching Arman Tsarukyan receive a jacket for just 50 clean tests
- The Brazilian fighter has never tested positive but accepted a 2019 suspension for IV rehydration use
- Costa has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and wants an interim light heavyweight title shot
- Reports suggest UFC contacted Khamzat Chimaev about a potential interim title fight with Costa at UFC 332
Sources: yardbarker.com | sherdog.com | mmasucka.com
UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa is asking the promotion for a milestone jacket after passing approximately 200 drug tests. The Brazilian fighter made his demand on social media after watching Arman Tsarukyan receive a jacket for completing 50 clean tests.
Costa wrote that he keeps asking about his own jacket given his far higher test count. Tsarukyan received his milestone jacket before his September 19 bout with Mauricio Ruffy.
Costa Among UFC’s Most Tested Athletes
The Brazilian fighter is one of the most frequently tested athletes on the UFC roster. He has never tested positive for any banned substance during his career with the promotion.
Costa did accept a six-month suspension from USADA in 2019 after using an IV infusion to rehydrate following a difficult weight cut. The suspension was not related to performance-enhancing drugs.
The fighter has previously complained about drug testers arriving at his home early in the morning during weight cuts. His extensive testing history inspired him to create his “Secret Juice” brand, which has become a merchandise line.
They call me Borrachinha for a reason: I erase people 🥊 #paulocosta #ufc #secretjuice pic.twitter.com/Ges7Y89q7A
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 15, 2026
Costa has one fight remaining on his current UFC contract. He recently stated the promotion has been stalling his return after he campaigned for an interim light heavyweight title shot.
The 35-year-old fighter moved up to the light heavyweight division after struggling with weight cuts at middleweight. His most recent fight was a knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April.
Costa has been pushing for an interim title fight while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from a knee injury. Ulberg won the vacant light heavyweight belt with a knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 but sustained an injury during the fight.
Fighter Expresses Frustration With UFC Matchmaking
In a recent interview with Sexto Round, Costa voiced frustration with the UFC’s matchmaking process. He said he was ready to compete again shortly after his April victory and reached out to the promotion in June about potential fights in July or August.
According to Costa, the UFC told him it had not yet made a decision on his next opponent. He said UFC president Dana White is “greatly missed” in the matchmaking process.
Costa confirmed he has spoken with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. He said Hearn sent him a proposal to become part of his management team.
The Brazilian fighter has also called out Khamzat Chimaev on social media. Reports suggest the UFC contacted Team Chimaev about a potential interim title fight between the two at UFC 332 in October.
Costa warned Chimaev on social media that their fight would result in “the most abrupt collapse of a fighter’s hype in history.” UFC 332 is scheduled for October 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The fighter also mentioned that former champion Magomed Ankalaev and unbeaten contender Navajo Stirling should be considered for interim title fights. He pointed out that he, Ankalaev, and Stirling are all coming off wins while Prochazka and Khalil Rountree are coming off losses.
