UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has once again showcased his playful side, this time pulling off an elaborate prank while supposedly teaching influencer Nina how to defend against a rear naked choke.
In a video circulating on social media, Costa begins what appears to be a standard self-defense demonstration.
“Hello guys, I’m Paulo Costa. This is Nina. I’m gonna teach her how to get out of here, rear naked choke,”
the Brazilian MMA star says, setting up what looks like a legitimate tutorial.
But the lesson takes a different turn when Costa reveals his real intention. Instead of showing proper escape techniques, he produces a lighter and briefly applies it to Nina’s elbow, prompting a startled reaction.
“What are you doing? What are we doing? Oh my God, this burns,”
Nina exclaims, visibly caught off guard.
Costa stays composed and responds:
“It’s okay, you’re gonna heal very fast,”
then immediately shifts gears to promote his upcoming bout.
“Watch me Saturday night on UFC 318. “
The prank plays on a popular meme mocking questionable self-defense instruction, where questionable techniques are proposed to escape submissions. Costa adds his own twist, using his signature deadpan delivery to sell the absurdity of the moment.
The clip has sparked a lot of reactions online. Many praised Costa’s timing and ability to completely catch Nina by surprise. His shift from a serious MMA persona to a more comedic, online presence has been notable. Platforms like Twitter have amplified his brand, where his takes on competition and everyday life attract a growing audience.
This latest prank is another example of Costa leaning into his role as an entertainer outside sanctioned bouts, using humor to engage fans and show another side of himself beyond what people see in competition.
