Aug 16, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Paulo Costa during weigh ins for UFC 241 at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Paulo Costa’s ‘Poking’ Game Plan For Shara Magomedov Gets Strong Reaction From His Coach

Aug 16, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Paulo Costa during weigh ins for UFC 241 at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Trash talk, psychological warfare, and pre fight antics are as much part of the game as actual fighting skills. From Conor McGregor’s legendary press conference performances to Chael Sonnen’s masterful verbal assaults, fighters have long understood that battles can be won or lost before they even step into the octagon. However, there’s usually an unwritten line that separates clever banter from crossing into genuinely offensive territory. Paulo Costa recently found himself walking that thin line when he made comments about his upcoming opponent Shara Magomedov.

The Brazilian middleweight, known for his powerful striking and colorful personality, suggested he might poke Magomedov in his good eye during their scheduled fight at UFC Qatar on November 22. This was a direct reference to Magomedov’s unique situation as a fighter who competes with one eye after losing vision in his left eye during a training accident in Thailand. Costa’s comment didn’t sit well, especially Magomedov’s coach Gor Azizyan, who fired back with his own pointed response.

Shara Magomedov’s Coach Torches Paulo Costa

Costa (15-4) had suggested he would be willing to take a point deduction if it meant impairing his opponent’s vision. While Costa was likely trying to be provocative and generate buzz for their upcoming fight, his words touched on something deeply personal for Shara Magomedov. The Dagestani fighter has overcome incredible odds just to continue competing after his eye injury.

One single good Eye poke, be penalized with one less point, Shara fights 100% blind. 🙌📈 Deal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/qEK98g9qy0
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 4, 2025

Magomedov’s partial blindness has actually prevented him from fighting in the United States. This is why their bout is scheduled for Qatar. Coach Gor Azizyan wasted no time responding to Costa’s tasteless joke with a comeback that had to sting. The veteran coach reminded everyone about one of the most embarrassing moments in Costa’s career. This was when Israel Adesanya dominated him at UFC 253 and celebrated with a now infamous humping gesture.

“Instead of planning to poke Shara in the eye, you better watch out so you don’t get poked somewhere else.”

Shara Magomedov's coach Gor Azizyan has posted a reply to the recent tweets from Paulo Costa, in which the Brazilian said he's agreed to fight the Dagestani striker and suggested he'd purposely poke Shara in his healthy eye.

"Instead of planning to poke Shara in the eye, you… pic.twitter.com/J3mFakSWOq
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 5, 2025

Azizyan’s response was brilliant in its simplicity: instead of getting angry or defensive, he turned Costa’s own vulnerability against him. The coach warned Costa to worry about getting “poked somewhere else.” This was a clear reference to Adesanya’s post fight antics that had Costa looking completely helpless.

While Costa tried to exploit his opponent’s physical limitation, he opened himself up to attacks on his own vulnerabilities and past failures. The coach’s words also served as a warning that his fighter won’t be intimidated by cheap shots or tasteless humor. When these two finally meet in the octagon on November 22, the buildup will have added an extra layer of intensity!

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Paulo Costa

Shara Magomedov

UFC Qatar

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!