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Paulo Costa dispute with UFC

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2026-09-23 14:45 UTC → 2026-10-13 05:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Brazilian middleweight fighter Paulo Costa has entered a period of public dispute with the UFC regarding matchmaking, contract management, and title opportunities. Initially, Costa criticized the promotion for being ‘lost’ due to a lack of involvement from Dana White in matchmaking. He expressed frustration over missed opportunities and indicated he was hesitant to renew his contract if it undervalued his worth, noting he had one fight remaining. The situation escalated as Costa reported that the UFC denied his request to fight for an interim light heavyweight title at UFC 332. He also targeted UFC executive Hunter Campbell on social media, alleging that Campbell has been unable to secure him a standard three-round fight. Following a third-round TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, Costa issued a formal ultimatum to the UFC regarding his final contractual obligation. Costa presented three specific options to the promotion via social media: providing a three-round fight against any opponent on the light heavyweight roster; providing a five-round fight within six weeks with a corresponding purse increase; or being released from his contract immediately. Costa suggested the UFC may be delaying his final bout to leverage his star power for a longer-term contract extension. UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed Costa’s claims of unfair treatment, stating that the fighter has actually turned down fight offers. White noted that fighters regularly receive multiple offers per year and cited injured athletes as examples of those who continue to receive offers despite being unable to compete. The dispute remains centered on fight length and compensation, as Costa argues his current purse is set for three rounds rather than five. More recently, Costa has expressed frustration over a perceived lack of communication from the promotion, stating he has received no updates regarding upcoming bookings.

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