Costa Gives UFC Three Options In Contract Standoff

Paulo Costa has issued an ultimatum to the UFC over his final contracted fight.

Costa, who has one bout remaining on his deal, posted on X that his contract specifies a three-round fight but the promotion has stalled booking it. Sherdog reports the Brazilian middleweight called out matchmaker Hunter Campbell directly, offering three clear options to resolve the standoff.

"OK, I'm making this public and clear: I have 1 fight left," Costa wrote, per Sherdog. "On my contract, the purse is set for 3 rounds, not 5. I'm asking for the 3-round fight that was already agreed on contract. It can be anyone on the UFC LHW roster."

Costa said he would accept a five-round bout at light heavyweight with at least six weeks' notice, but only if the promotion raises his purse accordingly. His third option: an immediate release from the contract.

Costa is 16-4 overall and riding back-to-back stoppage wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov. He previously campaigned for an interim title shot at UFC 332 but said the promotion showed no interest.

The UFC has not publicly responded to Costa's demands. His contract situation remains unresolved as of September 21.