Paulo Costa Issues Ultimatum to UFC

Paulo Costa (16-4) has given the UFC three options as he pushes to compete in the final fight on his UFC contract.

The number 4 ranked light-heavyweight said his existing deal calls for a three-round fight and told UFC this week he is willing to face any light heavyweight on the roster. The 35-year-old also offered to accept a five-round fight on six weeks’ notice if the promotion increases his purse accordingly. If the UFC doesn’t agree to either of those options, he has asked to be released from his contract.

“I think Hunter has 3 options now: A) Give me that last 3-round fight (I’ll take any opponent). B) Give me a 5-round fight at LHW against anyone in 6 weeks. I’ll take it, but raise my purse accordingly. C) Release me from my contract now.”

Costa last fought on April 11, 2026, stopping previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov in the third round in Miami. The victory marked his second fight since moving from middleweight to light heavyweight.

Following Costa listing his ultimatum, former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, currently ranked number 2 at 205-pounds, offered himself up as an opponent.

“You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions,” Ankalaev wrote. “I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get-out-of-jail-free card. Let’s fight.”