UFC middleweight Paulo Costa is accused of striking a nurse with an elbow during a dispute over a COVID-19 vaccination card in Brazil.
The alleged incident occurred Monday evening at a shopping center in the city of Contagem, according to Globo. Afterward, Costa, 31, and a 26-year-old female nurse were taken to the Contagem Duty Police Station where they were questioned about the incident.
Health workers told police that Costa showed up to receive his COVID-19 vaccine, but it could be administered he tried to leave with a vaccination card.
“The card was filled out. The workers said that, at the time of application, he did not accept to be vaccinated, he wanted to leave with the card, and they did not accept it. At that moment, a nurse was elbowed,” municipal guard Marco Mota said.
According to Globo, the nurse did not need medical attention and told the guards that her lips were swollen from Costa’s elbow strike.
Costa’s version of events differed.
“He said he got the vaccine, but the nurses didn’t let him go out with the card,” Mota said. “He said it generated stress. He took the card and left. At that moment, a nurse grabbed him by the arm, and he broke free,” Mota said.
Costa was released after being questioned by police. He’s due in court for a hearing after the alleged victim filed a criminal complaint.
Originally scheduled for UFC 277 on July 30, Costa last week had his fight with Luke Rockhold pushed back to Aug. 20 at an event that doesn’t yet have an announced venue or location.
Costa will look to snap a two-fight skid after losing to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori in back-to-back fights.
