Paulo Costa calls out ‘scared’ Derek Brunson, who claims the Brazilian powerhouse is on ‘the juice’

Paulo Henrique Costa scored the biggest win of his young mixed martial arts (MMA) career by knocking out former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion Johny Hendricks last Saturday night (Nov. 4, 2017) at UFC 217 in New York City.

Afterward, the Brazilian powerhouse took to the mic to challenge Derek Brunson to fisticuffs, relaying during a post-fight media scrum he simply wants to take on a top-ranked opponent next in order to raise his own stock.

“Yes I said it. I would like to fight against Derek Brunson. Derek fight now against Lyoto Machida in Brazil and we have the time to training and fight. Derek Brunson wants, I can fight against him,” said “Borrachinha.”

Brunson, though, is the least bit interested, taking to social media to shut down the callout while accusing the physical specimen of being on steroids.

All Costa could do when broached about the tweet was laugh, denying the allegations by pointing out that he is tested by United Anti Doping Agency (USADA) just like everyone else.

“He’s crazy and he is scared. He don’t want to fight against me. USADA test everybody, all the time,” added Paulo. “Derek Brunson just don’t want to fight against me. Vitor Belfort don’t want to fight me, Tim Boetsch don’t want to fight me. Derek Brunson, don’t be scared.”

While a matchup between Paulo and Derek would be intriguing, it’s one that is unlikely to go down based on Derek’s hesitance alone. Plus, Brunson is currently ranked No. 6, while Paulo has yet to crack the top 15.

Furthermore, Derek has his sights set on former division kingpin, Michael Bisping, who coughed up his title to Georges St-Pierre in New York City, which means, Borrachinha would be better off taking on this guy.