Paulo Costa’s contractual complaints with the UFC continue. Last month, in July, the Brazilian turned down a short-notice opportunity to face Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi, citing the lack of any additional financial incentive despite the difficult circumstances.
With less than two weeks’ notice, a lengthy trip to Abu Dhabi, and a five-round main event waiting for him, Costa felt the offer simply wasn’t worth taking. Now, with an reportedly being shelved for and the company rejecting his request to compete for the belt, Costa has once again questioned the promotion’s decisions.
For the unversed, Valentina Shevchenko was originally scheduled to face Natalia Silva on the October 3 card. However, a ligament injury to her back and shoulders forced her to vacate the title, with Wang Cong stepping in to face Silva for the vacant belt. The matchup has since been promoted to the new main event.
View this post on InstagramHe added, “The most recent was like days ago. … It’s not about relationships. We are professionals. Just go, show up, fight, that’s it. I’m very professional, they are professional as well. It’s not about relationship. I’m an honest guy.”
Costa made it clear that he doesn’t fake anything and has no desire to go against the UFC. He simply wants the biggest fights against the biggest names, especially with just one fight remaining on his current deal.
As previously mentioned, with champion Carlos Ulberg , Costa wanted to compete for the interim light heavyweight title while the promotion was struggling to find a new UFC 332 main event.
Costa clearly feels the UFC missed an opportunity to give fans a more exciting card. He added, “I’m sad because I think we could have given a much better fight card going on for the Salt Lake City fans. I don’t think fans are so happy, I’m not happy, but it’s not about me.”
The Brazilian also pointed to the lack of movement since his most recent win over
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