Whoever sees Paulo Henrique Costa training might think he is an experienced fighter with several years as a professional. But the man with the nickname of “Borrachinha” is only 22, with a lot of dreams to accomplish over the next few months. With a spot inside the house of  The Ultimate Fighter 3 he was selected to be on Team Wanderlei, making his wish as a kid come true. “It’s not about recognition, but I’m happy to be around so many nice people,” said the young athlete.

Unlike the others in the house, Borrachinha says he would not have a problem if he was picked by Chael Sonnen, but he wants to make it clear that it is an honor to be picked by Wanderlei. “The other team also has good coaches, including Sonnen. But I believe my place is where I am.” And life in the house has already produced a rivalry, as Borrachinha waits for a chance against Harley. “I think he is afraid of me, because he stares at me too much. Someone who does that, it is because he is insecure, so I want to fight him.”

Despite being so young, Borrachinha  already participated in more than 40 championships, winning almost all of them.  The secret of his success is that he has been training since his childhood. He competed when he was 13 and has the support of his family. And he has an older brother “who will be known as a great jiu-jitsu fighter”.
His nickname comes from the elasticity he showed in his first training session on the ground, since he looked like rubber. “The nickname came when I was younger, so it was ‘Little Rubber,’” but the fighter says he is bigger than his brother already.
Talking about family, Borrachinha gets emotional when he talks about his grandmother and his mother. “My mother is an exceptional person. She does social work and once she took someone from the street to our home,” said the fighter, who regrets not spending more time with her. “My mother is an angel, too bad I didn’t learn everything she wanted to teach me. I’m stubborn and a little nervous.” His grandmother supports him a lot, but she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, and can’t watch his fights like she used to.

 

TRAINING: It's intense and being performed in RJ, at the Team Nogueira gym, but with my team.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in 2012, because I'm fascinated by fighting.

What ranks and titles have you held? Mineiro Champion of Jiu-Jitsu 

Middleweight Champion (MMA) - Face to Face Event

Middleweight Champion (MMA) - Jungle Fight Event

Do you have any heroes? Jesus Christ

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means I’m starting my UFC career to be the best fighter of all time.

What was your job before you started fighting? Realtor

Favorite grappling technique: Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Hook

 

• Team Wanderlei on TUF Brazil 3

• Pro since 2012

• 10 wins by KO, one by submission (RNC)

• Has finished all wins, nine in the first round

• Origin of Borrachinha – “It means ‘little rubber.’ This nickname was given to me because my older brother was called the rubber man.”