Paulo Costa Gives UFC Three Options to End Contract Standoff

Paulo Costa is done waiting. The 35-year-old Brazilian has publicly issued the UFC three options to resolve a simmering contract dispute that has kept him sidelined since his April knockout of Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327.

Option A: book him a standard three-round fight at light heavyweight against anyone on the roster, per LowKick MMA. Option B: if the UFC wants a five-round main event, raise his purse accordingly. Option C: release him from his contract outright. "Release me from my contract now. Simple and clean," Costa wrote.

The frustration boils down to one fight remaining on his deal and a promotion that, according to Costa, will not finalize it. He claims UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell told him no opponent would be available until 2027. "Can you believe on this bullshit?" Costa wrote, calling on any UFC light heavyweight to step forward.

Costa says he has requested his release multiple times, dating back to January when the UFC denied him a fight with Reinier de Ridder. Each time, per Costa, the answer has been the same: complete the final fight first. But no fight materializes.

The five-round pay demand is straightforward. Costa insists he will not do championship-length work for a three-round purse. "That's the minimum that's fair, right?" he said.

Costa looked sharp at 205 pounds against Murzakanov, finishing with a head kick that suggested a legitimate second act at light heavyweight. Whether the UFC lets that act continue, or somewhere else does, appears to be the only question left.