- The staph infection on Paulo Costa’s elbow has been revealed for public consumption
- “Borrachinha” provided an update on his current status
The severity of Paulo Costa’s injury has now been revealed and apparently, it’s worse than what most UFC fans thought. To this day, “Borrachinha” is still aiding his staph infection and is staying optimistic about making a return sooner rather than later.
It’s scary serious
In a photo now circulating online, courtesy of Costa’s fiancé and manager Tamara Alves, it’s clear that the Brazilian’s elbow is largely infected. From how it looks, people now understood why Costa had to pull out from his middleweight showdown with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Check out the gruesome photo below:
That looks nasty @BorrachinhaMMA — speedy recovery bro!! pic.twitter.com/OgNXzwaXWB
— MiddleEasy (@MiddleEasy) October 17, 2023
Paulo has a message for the UFC fans
Shortly after the photo was publicized, Costa posted a video in which he further elaborated on how serious his infection really is.
“I think everyone already knows that I’m not going to fight anymore [at UFC 294]. Unfortunately. As I came prepared to fight,” Costa said in the video. “I think it’s very important to show and clarify as much as possible, how difficult it is, how complicated and serious this injury has been that we are dealing with at my elbow.”
“This is what my elbow looks like at this exact moment. It is open… the hole needs to stay like this, open and closing from the inside out. You cannot close [it] with stitches when you have an infection like this… This is the result of a chronic bacterial infection that became resistant to various antibiotics. And, even with the appropriate medical treatment, the infection insisted on returning.”
Official speech about the medical impediment and remove from the fight on October 21st in Abudhabi. My team and the @ufc team worked together and tried everything from the first day till the last. Unfortunately it wasn't possible, as you can see. I will return soon. Thanks! 🧃🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/mHFPYaskZn
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 17, 2023
Costa had already undergone surgery but he revealed that since the infection continues to recur, a “second and third” surgery is needed. Due to the prolonged time it requires, “Borrachinha” said that he and his team realized it was “impossible” to carry on for his UFC 294 bout.
Costa concluded that his team and the UFC have been working hand in hand for his speedy recovery.
