Randy Costa
Randy Robert Costa (born July 6, 1994) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Background. Costa began to box in the sixth grade and then got into kickboxing in the eighth grade. He later wrestled for Taunton High School as a junior in the 160-pound weight class. Adding the element of Jiu-Jitsu, Costa began serious training for an MMA career during the summer between his junior and senior years at Taunton High. Costa was a terrific student-athlete at Taunton High. He played football as  a freshman, sophomore, and junior. Costa was selected as the Defensive Player of ‘The Game’ following the Tigers’ 35-7 Thanksgiving Day win over Coyle-Cassidy in 2010 at Aleixo Stadium. Mixed martial arts career. Early career. Starting his professional career in 2018, Costa fought only for the Cage Titans organization, compiling a perfect 4–0 record with all the wins coming via stoppage in the first round. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Costa made his UFC debut against Brandon Davis on April 13, 2019 at UFC 236. He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Costa  faced Boston Salmon on October 18, 2019 at . He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Costa faced Journey Newson on September 19, 2020 at He won the fight via knockout in round one. This win earned him his first "Performance of the Night" award. As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Costa was expected to face Trevin Jones on March 6, 2021 at UFC 259. However, Costa withdrew from the bout in mid-February citing injury and was replaced by Mario Bautista. Costa faced Adrian Yanez at on July 24, 2021. Despite a strong  first round for Costa, he lost the fight by technical knockout in round two. Costa faced Tony Kelley on December 11, 2021 at UFC 269. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round. Personal life. Costa graduated from Taunton High in the spring of 2012 and then headed to Massasoit Community College in Brockton. He transferred to Bridgewater State University where he majored in political science. Costa’s longtime friend and former training partner, Devin Carrier, died in a car crash in 2016 when Carrier was 21 years old. Now, Costa is making sure the fallen MMA fighter ’s name is never forgotten, bringing a picture of his friend to weigh-ins making sure he's along for the ride.