Paulo Costa has become increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s current matchmaking practices, leading the Brazilian fighter to openly request a release from his contract with the promotion. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Costa explained that his primary motivation for seeking an exit is his desire to secure more significant, high-profile bouts.
The fighter’s frustration stems from what he perceives as inconsistent standards within the organization. He pointed specifically to the situation surrounding the women’s flyweight title, where Valentina Shevchenko was required to vacate her championship due to an injury. The UFC moved quickly to address the vacancy by booking a fight between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong for the belt at UFC 332.
Costa highlighted this as a double standard, noting that he had previously taken to social media to demand an interim light heavyweight title fight while champion Carlos Ulberg was sidelined with his own injury. His request for that opportunity was ultimately denied, fueling his belief that the promotion applies different rules depending on the specific fighter or weight class involved.
Despite his public criticism and desire to leave, Costa maintains that his relationship with the UFC is not fundamentally broken. He described the situation as a professional disagreement between two parties conducting business, where he is fulfilling his obligations while the promotion manages its own interests. He emphasized that he remains focused on finding the right opportunities to advance his career.
The ongoing tension highlights a broader debate regarding how the UFC handles injured champions and divisional vacancies. As Costa continues to advocate for his professional future, his comments reflect a growing desire for more transparency and equity in how the promotion structures its most important matchups.
Comments