UFC 318 is set to be a pivotal moment for a contender who once held great promise, as mixed martial arts makes its long-awaited return to Louisiana. This event, taking place in New Orleans, will not only feature local favorite Dustin Poirier in his farewell fight against Max Holloway for the symbolic BMF title but also highlight the comeback of Paulo Costa, a fighter whose trajectory has faced significant hurdles in recent years.
Paulo Costa, previously viewed as a rising star by UFC CEO Dana White, has encountered a stark decline since his earlier successes in the octagon. Once touted for his impressive knockouts, including a victory over veteran contender Uriah Hall in 2018, Costa’s recent record tells a different story. In the past six years, he has only scored one victory out of five bouts, losing his last two fights against Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland. The pressure is now on Costa to prove that he can return to form and reclaim the aggression that marked his earlier fights.
Adding to the narrative, former champion Israel Adesanya, who was instrumental in sparking Costa’s recent setbacks with a knockout at UFC 253, has been vocal about what Costa needs to do to revive his career. Adesanya has emphasized the importance of seriousness and dedication, encouraging Costa to harness his potential once again. He stated on his YouTube channel, “Costa has got the goods… Just show up and f—– show them,” urging his fellow fighter to be motivated and disciplined.
As Costa prepares to face Roman Kopylov in the co-main event at UFC 318, the stakes are high for the Brazilian fighter to showcase his skills and demonstrate that he can overcome the setbacks that have plagued his recent performances. The backdrop of a memorable event in New Orleans only adds to the excitement and potential for a memorable comeback.
Overall, UFC 318 promises to be a significant night, not just for Poirier’s farewell but also as a potential turning point for Costa. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise from the challenges and reclaim his status as one of the top contenders in the division.