Paulo Costa criticizes UFC after declining Magomed Ankalaev replacement fight

Paulo Costa declined a short-notice offer to fight Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, citing unfavorable terms and criticizing how the UFC handled the negotiation.

Ankalaev's original opponent, Khalil Rountree, withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Bogdan Guskov. Costa (16-4) revealed he was also approached to step in against the former light heavyweight champion but turned it down. The offer came with less than two weeks' notice, required a 16-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, involved a five-round bout, and offered no additional compensation or title incentive.

"They called yesterday," Costa told Ariel Helwani. "But I think it's so short notice, like less than 14 days, to get a flight to Abu Dhabi. 16-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, five rounds, for the same money, and not even for an interim belt. I don't think this makes sense right now."

Costa criticized the UFC's broader approach to fighter negotiations, arguing the promotion pushes away top talent through poor handling of discussions. He pointed to former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou as an example, noting that excessive pressure from the UFC led Ngannou to pursue opportunities elsewhere, including with major events outside the UFC. "I think they push good talents away from them. They create a distance; they create beef between fighters and the guy who negotiates," Costa added. Coming off consecutive wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov, Costa suggested the short-notice booking was offered dismissively in response to his recent calls for fights, further souring his view of the promotion's negotiating practices.