Dana White says Paulo Costa is being offered fights, whatever Costa says publicly.
Costa gave the UFC three options this week for his final contracted bout. Book it at three rounds, book a five-round fight within six weeks at a higher purse, or release him. He said his contracted pay covers three rounds, not five.
White was asked about it after Tuesday’s Contender Series at the Meta APEX.
Oh, yeah. (Paulo is) frustrated, yeah. He’s been offered fights and turned them down.
He rejected the idea that the company is freezing anyone out.
We don’t just say, ‘—- Paulo Costa,’ and, ‘You’re not going to get a fight,’ and ‘No we’re not going to pay you,’ and, ‘No, we’re not going to do this.’ Guys get offered three fights a year regularly, even guys who aren’t fighting. Tom Aspinall’s eyes are messed up. He’s getting offered fights. You think Paulo Costa isn’t getting offered fights?
White did not address the round count, which is the specific issue Costa raised.
Costa is 35 and has won twice since moving to light heavyweight, most recently knocking out the unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov. The division is stuck while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from a knee injury that will keep him out until 2027. Former champion Magomed Ankalaev has offered to fight Costa in the meantime.
