For the second time in as many weeks, Paulo Costa has publicly questioned the UFC over his booking, this time revealing why he turned down a short-notice opportunity to face Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Costa’s latest comments come after a major shake-up to the July 25 card, where Khalil Rountree Jr. was forced to withdraw from the scheduled main event against Ankalaev due to an undisclosed injury. Rather than removing Ankalaev from the event, the UFC quickly found a replacement, with Bogdan Guskov stepping in on short notice to save the headline bout.
The promotion officially confirmed the matchup on social media. Before settling on Guskov, however, the UFC reportedly explored several other options, including former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and Costa. While Blachowicz was unable to make the 205-pound limit on short notice, Costa revealed there was another reason he declined the fight.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, the Brazilian said the UFC approached him about replacing Rountree Jr. but offered no 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 awaiting him, Costa felt the offer simply wasn’t worth accepting.
He said, “It’s so short notice, less than 14 days to get a flight to Abu Dhabi. 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.”
Paulo Costa reveals the UFC contacted him yesterday about replacing Khalil Rountree Jr. against Magomed Ankalaev after Rountree’s withdrawal for UFC Abu Dhabi:
“It’s less than 14 days to get a flight to Abu Dhabi. It’s a 16-hour flight, five rounds, for the same money, and not… pic.twitter.com/98VtDANJFd
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 13, 2026
Costa later doubled down on his stance on X, sarcastically responding to the UFC’s reported offer. He wrote, “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”
The latest comments continue Costa’s growing frustration with the promotion over his lack of activity. The Brazilian has repeatedly voiced his displeasure at still being without a fight, especially since his next appearance will fulfill the final bout on his current UFC contract.
Just last week, Costa publicly called out UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, questioning why the promotion continues to leave him on the sidelines despite his willingness to compete at middleweight, light heavyweight, or even heavyweight. Costa’s frustration is understandable given the momentum he built in his last outing.
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 🥰 https://t.co/Dn7uYJUuEE
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 13, 2026
The Brazilian made a successful move to light heavyweight at UFC 327, where he handed previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov his first professional loss with a devastating head-kick finish. The statement victory immediately vaulted Costa into the division’s Top 10 and seemingly positioned him as a legitimate contender in one of the UFC’s most wide-open weight classes.
Still, as his comments suggest, Costa isn’t willing to sacrifice that position for what he views as a one-sided opportunity. Accepting a five-round main event against a former champion in ‘Big Ank’ on less than two weeks’ notice, without an interim title or improved pay, simply wasn’t a risk he believed was worth taking.
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