Paulo Borrachinha talks about his crucial victory at UFC 318 and does not rule out seeking psychological help

Paulo borrachinha challenged Khamzat Shimaev after victory at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram borrachinhamma

Back to the winning path, Paulo borrachinha delighted the MMA community with his version of the 'old testament'. Underdog in bookmakers for a duel against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, the athlete managed to dominate his rival with a violent strategy and triumphed in the unanimous decision of the judges, preventing a third consecutive defeat in his career.

Vibrant and confident after announcing his victory, the fighter thanked his coaches, God, and family for their tremendous support before the fight. Despite scaring his fans during fight week with his shaking and unusual behavior, Borrachinha stated that on the bus on the way to the fight, he had already promised he wouldn't leave the octagon without his arm raised.

Paulo borrachinha knocked down Roman Kopylov with a punch. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcindia

"I was finally able to do my job, give my best. I was very focused on getting this victory; I owed it to my family and fans. I had a lot of motivation before this, but this was one of them, but one of the last. I was coming off two losses and needed this. I told everyone on my team (on my way to the arena): 'There's no way I'm going home with this loss, this victory is mine. I'm better than him in every aspect of the game and I'm going to beat him,'" Paulo told the UFC.

Following his speech, the fighter did not rule out seeking psychological help after having trouble maintaining focus during the fight.

"It's not arrogance, but it's hard to focus and come with the mental work. I came with a party mentality, which isn't good when you have a fight, because it's a big show and I love that atmosphere. I need to separate myself from that; maybe I'll talk to a psychologist about it. I need to focus on the work. I was telling myself 100 times: 'Paulo, this is work, this is work, not a party,'" he concluded.

Paulo borrachinha in victory over Roman Kopylov. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News

Currently ranked 13th in the middleweight rankings, the fighter is looking for the opportunity to face Khamzat Shimaev next. The Emirati is the next challenger for the category title and faces Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 319.