Photo: Alamy
New video from a UFC event in Miami shows Brazilian fighter Paulo Costa briefly leaving the cage to greet President Donald Trump following his knockout victory at UFC 327.
Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov with a head-kick knockout in a bout that drew significant attention during the event.
Video circulating online shows Costa approaching President Trump cageside and thanking him. “Thank you for everything you’re doing,” Costa said, according to footage from the exchange.
President Trump responded by praising the fighter’s performance and appearance. “You’re a beautiful guy, great fight,” he said, adding, “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.”
The president also posted to Truth Social following the event, writing, “Congratulations to Paulo Costa on a Great UFC Fight last night in Miami. He will absolutely be a future Champion. It was great talking to him outside the ring after his Big Victory last night in Miami!”
Speaking later at a post-fight news conference, Costa declined to share further details about the conversation.
“As for Trump, I just kind of jokingly talked to him and then I said some things that were personal,” Costa said. “So just keep it a secret for now. It was just between us.”
Costa later confirmed part of the exchange when asked about Trump’s remarks. “Yes, that part was true,” he said with a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Trump.”
President Trump’s appearance at the event took place during a high-profile evening that included promotional announcements for a future UFC event at the White House, as well as matchmaking discussions involving other fighters.
The UFC event drew a large crowd and featured several notable matchups, with Costa’s victory and post-fight interaction among the night’s most talked-about moments.
