THE ZOHAN: DELIVERING A PROMISE
Greatness is a word that is often used, but I think that it’s a safe bet that whenever Randy “The Zohan” Costa steps in the cage, we are about to witness something truly great.
New England has produced some iconic finishers throughout the years in combat sports, but with Randy’s dynamic and creative style, he’s edging his name in stone to be remembered in a league of his own.
Starting his amateur career with a record of 3-0 with 3 knockouts, Costa took over the regional scene next to his best friend and biggest believer, Devin carrier, who both shared the same dream of taking the combat sports world by storm.
Everything was going according to plan. The journey was more enjoyable than ever, knowing that you’re going through thick and thin with your best friend by your side every step of the way.
The young Bostonians were firing on all cylinders until august 6, 2016, where their world suddenly stopped. Just 4 months after Devin’s first pro win, East Bridgewater’s young phenom had passed away in a car crash.
Having your best friend by your side throughout all your ups and downs, believing in you, walking by your side to the goal that both of you are chasing. For all that to be gone in a second, most people would just walk away on their dreams from not having tunnel vision anymore due to such a significant loss. But “The Zohan” couldn’t, knowing that he has everything it takes to fulfill the destiny that both he and Devin had written for themselves.
Randy dusted himself off the ground, driven with one goal in mind, to become the best in the world with his best friend’s picture close to his heart every step of the way.
Almost two years after Devin’s passing, the stage was set for “The Zohan” to make his pro Debut. With the legendary Bostonian’s guidance, Joe Lauzon, all it took was 46 seconds for Randy to secure his first pro win. Just six weeks after that, he wasted no time with a stunning 11-second head kick knockout.
It was clear that the man is must-see TV. Producing sensational record-breaking knockouts. The UFC brass had a close eye on Costa, knowing that he has everything it takes to reach the highest levels of superstardom.
After his stunning 11-seconds knockout, he signed out of the regional scene with two more wins by knockout with a combined time of less than two minutes.
Finally, “The Zohan” gets the call for his first UFC fight. Less than three years after Devin’s passing, Randy was walking out under the brightest lights with Devin’s picture next to his heart, as promised.
Standing across from him was the experienced UFC veteran, Brandon Davis. Both men squared off in the middle of the octagon, and in typical Randy Costa fashion, he almost got the finish in the first 10 seconds. However, Brandon’s durability and experience kept him up and eventually led to Davis getting the submission win in the second round in a thrilling back and forth fight.
Although it was Randy’s first loss, he wasn’t fazed because he knew that deep down inside, he had overcome many trying times in his life leading to that first pro loss, which only helped him grow mentally. Instead of taking it as a loss, Costa took it as a character-building moment in his young career.
That is what champions do. They always find the positives in every situation, which eventually shapes them to become the best version of themselves.
A few months after, Costa was making the walk to the cage in nowhere other than his hometown in Boston. Showered by the love and support from everyone in the arena, and what does he do? He lights up the TD Garden arena with a vintage Zohan style first-round knockout. It doesn’t get any better than that, earning your first UFC win in your hometown in a spectacular finish.
In hindsight, the loss was a blessing in disguise. Not only did Costa grow exponentially from it, but it led him into a heroic welcome to have his first UFC win in his hometown, making it that much sweeter.
Following that electrifying performance, it took Costa almost a year to return to the octagon due to the pandemic and a few scheduled bouts that fell off. Randy knew that most MMA fans tend to forget quickly, so in his return fight, he knew he had to remind the Mixed Martial Arts world that the young New Englander is the most exciting fighter in the sport right now. He did just that By wrapping a vicious head kick with a beautiful stance switch, flattening his adversary Journey Newson in just 41 seconds.
Randy’s nickname, “The Zohan,” means a gift from god. That is who he is to Devin Carrier’s family. For them to see a man who is climbing the ladder of greatness with their son’s memory in his heart for the world to see is nothing short of amazing.
This is just the beginning for the 26-year-old phenom. Entering 2021 with a 100% finish rate, certifying that Taunton Massachusetts’s own is must-see TV. “The Zohan” is looking to rack up another spectacular highlight reel when he returns against the durable Trevin Jones on March 6.
Nothing is guaranteed in this life, but you can guarantee that jaw-dropping moments are incoming whenever you see Randy Costa fight. So, buckle up, hold your breath, and don’t blink. Enjoy this man’s ride to greatness.
I love this man’s story and how you portrayed it great work keep it up