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UFC 327 aftershocks: Paulo Costa and Donald Trump’s painfully awkward face-off

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 12:31 PM ET

Paulo Costa and former President Donald Trump shared a moment cageside after the Brazilian’s impressive win in Miami on Saturday night.

Costa, who has permanently moved up to light-heavyweight, delivered a third-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event of UFC 327. The extra weight seemed to suit him, and he wasted no time making an impact in his new division.

What really got fans talking, though, was what happened afterwards. Costa jumped over the cage to greet President Trump, and their exchange quickly started making headlines online.

Donald Trump and Paulo Costa catch up after UFC 327

Paulo Costa didn’t waste any time after his UFC 327 win. His first move was to greet Donald Trump cageside, where the two spent a few moments talking before cameras picked it up.

In new video footage, Costa is heard thanking Trump for ‘what he is doing’, though he doesn’t specify exactly what that means. The conversation then takes an unusual turn when Trump replies: “You’re a beautiful guy and a great fighter.”

“You could be a model you look so good. You’re too good looking to be a fighter, you are some fighter. Thank you, man.”

After the event, Costa was asked about the meeting and giggled, telling media “It was so funny, thank you, Mr Trump.”

“I just kind of jokingly talked to him,” he added. “Then I just said some things that were personal, so let’s just keep it a secret for now. It was just between us.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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