Under slightly different circumstances, perhaps Paulo Costa returns at next weekend’s UFC Abu Dhabi event.
The Brazilian banger recently made a splash by moving up to Light Heavyweight and viciously stopping the previously-unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov with a thudding high kick. Just like that, Costa was ranked inside the Top 10 and on a win streak, pretty prime position for a potential title run in a wide open division. He’s likely a win away from a title shot, particularly given his status as a popular fan favorite.
As such, Costa would have been a perfect opponent for Magomed Ankalaev, who was left in need of a new UFC Abu Dhabi dance partner after Khalil Rountree Jr. suffered an injury. Instead, Ankalaev will face Bogdan Guskov, who was pulled from his planned Jan Blachowicz rematch. Ankalaev vs. Guskov is a good scrap … but “Hitman” is no “Borrachinha.”
On Monday, Costa spoke with Ariel Helwani and revealed he was offered the short-notice replacement. Unfortunately, he opted not to accept the five-round fight, because there was no additional financial incentive, and Costa would have faced a heavy weight cut.
“It’s so short-notice, less than 14 days to get a flight to Abu Dhabi,” Costa explained. “16-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, five rounds, for the same money, and not for an interim belt — I don’t think that makes sense right now … My weight is not bad, I’m 234 [pounds] right now. I should start a strict diet. I need like seven or eight weeks to make weight properly. Different than when I fight Middleweight, when I need 12-14 weeks.”
He later added on X, “Hey I have a great deal for you: NON TITLE Fight in 13 days short notice, Abu Dhabi, 5 rounds, same money, nothing better. Me: I love u too”
Recently, Costa has been vocal about his frustrations of failing to get a fight booked, particularly since it’s the last bout on his UFC contract. This would have been a way to quickly achieve free agency, potentially in an incredible negotiating position if he actually upset Ankalaev. At the same time, taking on a decorated former champion on the other side of the world on 13 day’s notice is a very tall ask, and Costa is totally correct to request extra compensation.
Hopefully, Costa can score a full camp offer sooner than later.
Isn’t him vs Jiri pretty much official for August, 330?
hmmmmmmmm
I think Ank beats damn near everyone at 205 at the moment, Ank vs Costa would be fun though.
I don’t blame Costa at all for this
I can’t blame anyone for refusing to take a short-notice fight. Good on him.
Yet another reason to cut out the extreme weight cutting crap. In this current setup, it’d be madness for him to accept this.
i misread that and thought the odds of Anik wining would be roughly 19000-1
The dude has struggled to make weight on a full camp in the past. Short notice just won’t work for him. Glad he turned it down rather than having an embarrassing miss and an underwhelming performance.