Paulo Costa hints at UFC exit amid contract dispute

The Brazilian wants to fight before the end of the year as financial disagreements with the UFC continue.

Paulo Costa has announced that he wants to fight before the end of this year, but possibly outside the UFC. Paulo Costa is currently in a bit of a dispute with the UFC over the terms of his last fight as outlined in his contract. He criticizes the UFC for offering him five-round fights without providing additional compensation. His ultimate goal is likely to fulfill the terms of his contract and then fight somewhere else.

"Nothing from the UFC. I’m going to fight at an event at the end of the year. I’m in great shape and in my prime. I’m going to do what I love—fight somewhere“

he wrote on X

He’s coming off two strong wins. Before that, he had also been aiming for a fight for the interim light heavyweight title while Carlos Ulberg was still recovering from an injury, with the plan to face him afterward, but that didn’t pan out. Financial disputes, however, seem to be on the rise, especially among the bigger names. It’ll be interesting to see how far this goes before anything actually changes. Do you think anything will change at all?

I can definitely see it happening, but I think a much bigger name would have to leave the UFC first, and solely because of financial disputes. I think Sean Strickland would make a big difference if he left the UFC, since he’s right in the thick of it right now. What do you think?