Paulo Borrachinha announces possible fight against the 'Pirate of the UFC' in Rio de Janeiro.

Borrachinha in victory over Kopylov at UFC 318 (Photo: Instagram)

Paulo borrachinha He may be on a collision course with Shara 'Bullet' outside of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Brazilian even had a fight lined up against the Russian in... UFC Qatarbut the duel ended up being CancelledNow, however, the former middleweight title challenger indicates that the rematch could happen in a different setting, this time in a grappling match.

Through a social media post, Borrachinha revealed that he was informed by his agent, Tamara Alves, about a proposal made to Shara Bullet for a grappling match scheduled for March 7th in Rio de Janeiro.

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“My agent, Tamara, informed me that Shara Bullet received an offer for a grappling match on March 7th in Rio,” she said. Paulo borrachinha.

My agent Tamara reported me Shara bullet was offered for grappling matchup march 7 in Rio.

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) February 8, 2026

'I don't need the Brazilian public,' says Paulo Borrachinha

Paulo borrachinha is an underdog UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram ufc_brasil

Although he suggested a fight in Rio de Janeiro, Borrachinha has already made it clear that he doesn't need the attention of Brazilian fans. In an interview with 'Ag. Fight', the middleweight reinforced that he doesn't see the need to count on the support of the Brazilian fans to succeed in the UFC. In his opinion, the sport is global and an athlete's career doesn't depend exclusively on acceptance in their own country to generate results, sales, or relevance.

“But honestly, I don’t need the Brazilian audience. I don’t think anyone needs it in the UFC. What are you going to do there? Sell merchandise? Sell tickets? Sell pay-per-view? I don’t think it makes sense. Honestly, my family is Brazilian, my coaches are, but the sport is international,” he declared. Paulo borrachinha.

Paulo Borrachinha changes weight class and seeks to regain his form in the UFC.

After a sensational start in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), with five wins in five fights, Paulo borrachinha He was qualified to compete for the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) against Israel adesanyaHowever, in the confrontation, the Brazilian ended up being knocked out without managing to pose a threat to the then-champion. Since then, the fighter from Minas Gerais has returned to the octagon on five other occasions, achieving only two victories, against... Luke Rockhold e Roman Kopylov.

Determined to get back to his good form, Borrachinha is scheduled for UFC 327, set for April 11th, where the Brazilian will face... Azamat Murzakanov, one of the leading names in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg).