Did he back down? Paulo Borrachinha backs down from provocation after threat from Valter Walker's partner.

Borrachinha backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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It didn't take long for Paulo Borrachinha to respond to Bogdan Guskov in the UFC. Recently, the friend and training partner of Valter Walker disapproved of the Brazilian's behavior in promoting his fight against Azamat Murzakanov , held in April in Miami (USA), and challenged him, openly stating his intention to face him in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). Upon learning of the threat made by the Uzbek fighter, the bad boy adopted a new stance.

On his official 'X' account, Borrachinha surprised everyone by backtracking. The friction began when the Brazilian, while arguing with Murzakanov at the pre-UFC 327 press conference, stated loudly and clearly that he hates Russians. Unhappy with the Brazilian's statement, Guskov intends to settle the score and promised to make him eat his words in the octagon in a possible fight.

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It's quite true that the former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) title challenger isn't interested in having Valter Walker 's friend as an opponent at the moment. However, Borrachinha admitted that he did, in fact, exaggerate his statement and downplayed the controversy.

“Good point, Guskov. Nothing against the Russians. I respect them. My criticism is more directed at the Chechens. You're Uzbek and you felt offended because I'm Russian?”, the wrestler wrote.

Rubber Band Fighters in MMA

Paulo Borrachinha , 34, is one of the most popular Brazilian fighters in the UFC. He began his MMA career in 2012, debuted for the organization in 2017, and fought for the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) in 2020. Currently, the Minas Gerais native is ranked 15th in his weight class and number seven in the light heavyweight rankings.

In sports, the 'bad boy' built a record of 16 wins and four losses. His main victories were over Azamat Murzakanov , Johny Hendricks , Luke Rockhold , and Yoel Romero.

Good call Bogdan. Nothing against Russians people I respect them. My things are more against Chenchen https://t.co/VieoC3ZoXO

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 20, 2026

man you Uzbek and getting offended as Russian ? https://t.co/50dciPuJDS

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 20, 2026

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