TLDR
- Paulo Costa presented UFC with three options: a three-round fight with any opponent, a five-round light heavyweight bout with increased pay, or immediate contract release
- Costa’s dispute centers on being offered a short-notice five-round fight without additional compensation
- The Brazilian fighter is coming off a third-round stoppage win over Azamat Murzakanov in April at light heavyweight
- No. 2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev volunteered to fight Costa for his final contracted bout
- Ankalaev believes the fight is low-risk for Costa entering free agency but still offered to be his opponent
Sources: yardbarker.com | sports.yahoo.com | sherdog.com
Paulo Costa has publicly outlined three specific options for the UFC regarding the final fight on his current contract. The Brazilian middleweight-turned-light heavyweight posted his demands on social media, targeting UFC executive Hunter Campbell.
Costa’s first option is a standard three-round fight against any opponent. His second choice involves a five-round bout at light heavyweight within six weeks, but with increased compensation to match the longer format.
The third option is an immediate release from his UFC contract. Costa has been vocal about his frustrations with the promotion in recent weeks, particularly regarding fight offers and payment terms.
The dispute began when Costa was offered a short-notice five-round fight without additional pay. While Costa expressed willingness to accept longer fights, he wants proper compensation and adequate preparation time for a 25-minute bout.
🚨DANA WHITE HAS A MESSAGE FOR PAULO COSTA AFTER HE ASKED FOR A FIGHT 😳
🗣️ “He’s been offered fights and turned them down.”
🗣️ “We don’t just say, ‘F*ck Paulo Costa.’ You think Paulo Costa isn’t getting offered fights?” 😬#DWCS pic.twitter.com/4ERgFWwpTm
— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) September 23, 2026
Costa’s Recent Success at Light Heavyweight
Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov via third-round stoppage in April. The victory marked his second fight since moving up to the light heavyweight division from middleweight.
The Brazilian has won both of his fights at 205 pounds since making the weight class change. His success at light heavyweight has positioned him as a potential contender in the division.
Costa’s career in the UFC has included high-profile fights and title opportunities. He previously competed in the middleweight division before deciding to move up in weight.
Ankalaev Volunteers as Opponent
Magomed Ankalaev, ranked No. 2 in the light heavyweight division, responded to Costa’s ultimatum by offering himself as an opponent. The former light heavyweight champion sees the matchup as beneficial for Costa despite viewing it as a difficult position for himself.
“You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions,” Ankalaev wrote on social media. “I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway.”
Ankalaev characterized himself as Costa’s “get-out-of-jail-free card.” He believes Costa has nothing to lose in the matchup since a win would boost his value heading into free agency.
The Russian fighter most recently defeated Bogdan Guskov after losing his title rematch against Alex Pereira. Ankalaev held the light heavyweight championship before the loss to Pereira.
Despite considering the fight a lose-lose scenario for himself, Ankalaev remains willing to face Costa. He noted that as the likely favorite, a victory would meet expectations rather than elevate his standing.
Costa has not yet responded to Ankalaev’s offer. The UFC has also not publicly addressed Costa’s three options or the potential matchup with Ankalaev.
The situation remains unresolved as Costa continues to publicly pressure the organization for a resolution to his contract situation. His demands have drawn attention from other fighters in the division who see an opportunity to face him.
