Costa Vows to Fight 'Somewhere' This Year — UFC Standoff Deepens
“Nothing from the UFC.”
Paulo Costa says he has heard nothing from the UFC, is in his prime, and plans to fight at an event before the end of the year.
"Nothing from the UFC."
Paulo Costa wrote that on X on October 12. He then said he plans to fight at an event at the end of the year, in great shape and in his prime.
That is not a normal fight tease. Costa is in a dispute over the final bout on his UFC contract, and he is now talking openly about fighting somewhere else.
Why It Matters Now
Costa has criticized the promotion for offering five-round fights without extra pay. He wants to complete his contract.
He has also hinted on social media at competing elsewhere. This post went further. It set a time frame: this year.
A ranked name in his prime is publicly setting his own deadline while his promoter stays silent.
"Nothing from the UFC." — Paulo Costa
The Form Behind The Words
Costa is 16-4. He is coming off wins over Roman Kopylov and the previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov.
That form is why this standoff has weight. He is not talking from the bottom of the division. He is talking after back-to-back wins.
He previously asked for an interim light heavyweight title fight while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from injury. No bout came from that request.
What Happens Next
Costa said he has had no recent update from the UFC. He also said he will do what he loves and fight somewhere.
The UFC has not announced his next bout. No opponent, date, or event was named in his post.
So it's on the UFC now. Does the UFC give Costa his final fight on terms he accepts, or does one of its best-known light heavyweights really test the road outside?
