Borrachinha at UFC 318 press conference (Photo: Reproduction/YouTube)
In the co-main event of UFC 318, Paulo borrachinha proved that he still belongs among the middleweight elite by dominate Roman KopylovThe Brazilian was coming off a negative record, but what raised the most questions about his form was his posture during the week of the event. At the press conference, the Minas Gerais native showed signs of "trembling," which frightened fans and raised suspicions about his physical condition.
After his triumph last Saturday (19), Borrachinha used the post-event press conference to clarify the situation. He downplayed speculation about his behavior and denied any health problems or substance use. According to the fighter, the intensity he demonstrated was the result of extreme motivation and total focus on the mission to win.
See too
"First of all, people said I was shaking. I wasn't sick or anything. I didn't use any drugs or anything like that. I was just very motivated, very focused, very focused on this fight. Behind the scenes, I kept telling myself, yelling at myself the whole time: 'This is work, go to work, do your thing. You need this win. I'm not coming back without this win. This is mine.' I'm back. I'm back," said Borrachinha.
Paulo Borrachinha challenges Khamzat Chimaev and receives an ironic response
Paulo borrachinha e Khamzat Shimaev are highlights in the UFC. (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Winless since 2022, Borrachinha returned to winning ways with a solid performance. Always pushing forward and punishing Kopylov's legs, body, and head, the Minas Gerais native imposed himself from the start and made clear his intention to reclaim his place among the top names in the middleweight division. However, things really heated up when the microphone was handed to him.
"Everyone knows I hate Chimaev. He's a jerk! He texted my wife, disrespected her, said things about me to her, but he never said it to my face. Chimaev, you're a coward! I'm here and I'll look for you. I won't stop until I get you!" a visibly excited Borrachinha said, directly challenging the Chechen.
The provocation adds to the history of tension between the two. A confrontation between Borrachinha and Chimaev was even planned in the past, but never materialized.
In response, Khamzat Shimaev used a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter) to defend himself. In an ironic tone, the fighter claimed that it was the Brazilian's wife who sought him out, further increasing the tension between the two.
“She wrote to me, my dear,” Chimaev wrote alongside laughing emojis.
It was she who wrote to me habibi
— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) July 20, 2025
You need login To comment.