Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa is becoming increasingly aggravated with the matchmakers’ lack of urgency to book him a fight.
UFC light heavyweight contender Paulo Costa made a statement in his most recent outing at UFC 327. Facing the unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov in Miami, Costa put on one of the best performances of his career, defeating Murzakanov by knockout.
Since UFC 327, Costa has hinted at moving up to heavyweight for a fight with polarizing star Josh Hokit. The two sides clashed cageside at UFC 328 after Costa criticized the promotion’s decision to award Hokit a post-fight bonus at UFC 327.
Almost three full months after Costa’s career-best performance, the former title challenger remains unbooked for a summer return. Despite his flexibility, Costa is becoming increasingly frustrated with the UFC matchmakers’ coyness.
Paulo Costa’s growing impatience on full display in UFC matchmaker rant
In a recent tweet, Costa shared his grievances after a recent conversation with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell.
“Since I defeated Azamat in April, I have been looking for the next fight. I’ve eventually opened the door to fight at heavyweight,” Costa began.
“UFC told me to wait…wait…Here we are, it’s already July, and I’m still looking to fight someone else at light heavyweight, middleweight, or even heavyweight, but the answer from the UFC by Hunter Campbell is the same: “Wait”. I want to fight; I don’t want to wait.
“I have just one more fight on my contract, and I want this fight to happen soon, but for some reason they don’t.”
Costa’s inactivity claims hold some merit. The former top middleweight contender has fought just four times since a win over Luke Rockhold in August 2022.
After back-to-back losses to Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker, Costa made the full-time move to 205lbs and could be on track for a title shot. But the UFC’s delayed response to his requests for a fight could hinder his pursuits.
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