UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has addressed recent reports in which he’s accused of hitting a nurse during a dispute over a vaccination card.
Costa released a statement through his legal team, Mejon Advocacia, on Wednesday claiming the allegations are false and that stories published by the media – which includes MMA Junkie – tend to “sensationalism.” Costa, 31 is being accused of hitting a female nurse with an elbow as he was allegedly trying to leave with a COVID-19 vaccination card before the vaccine could be administered, which originally was reported by Brazilian media outlet Globo.
“The recent articles published by the media involving athlete Paulo Costa – ‘Borrachinha’ [sic] referring to what happened in a shopping mall in the city of Contagem/MG generated questions, so we must present come clarifications,” the statement read. “First, tending to sensationalism, these are reckless and inconsistent. The athlete Paulo Costa – ‘Borrachinha’ [sic] and his entire team reject any type of violence.
“‘Borrachinha’ is a high-performing athlete, full time dedicated to training, to following the rules, guidelines, and disciplines. According his philosophy and human conduct this kind of allegations are completely incompatible with his history and way of life. The accusations and facts narrated do not reflect the reality of what happened.
“The fact will be carefully investigated and the appropriate legal measures for their perfect clarification will be taken.”
The alleged incident occurred Monday at a shopping center in the city of Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil where Costa went to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Afterward, Costa and a 26-year-old nurse were taken to the Contagem Duty Police Station where they were questioned about the incident.
Costa denied hitting the nurse and said he “broke free” instead as the nurse grabbed him by the arm. He also refuted the healthcare workers’ accusations and claimed that he was administered the vaccine.
According to Globo, the nurse did not need medical attention and told the guards that her lips were swollen from Costa’s elbow strike.
Costa was released after being questioned by police. The alleged victim filed a criminal complaint.
Originally scheduled for UFC 277 on July 30, Costa last week had his fight with Luke Rockhold pushed back to Aug. 20 at an event that doesn’t yet have an announced venue or location.
Costa will look to snap a two-fight skid after losing to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori in back-to-back fights.
