Costa Leaks UFC Contract Details, Ankalaev Offers Exit Fight

Paulo Costa made his UFC contract situation public over the weekend, revealing he has one fight remaining on his deal with terms set for three rounds.

The former middleweight title challenger, now ranked in the Top 10 at heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight, posted on social media that he wants the three-round fight his contract specifies. "It can be anyone on the UFC light heavyweight roster," Costa wrote, per MMA Mania.

Ankalaev Proposes 'Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Card' Bout

Costa laid out three scenarios for UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell: give him the agreed three-round fight against any opponent, upgrade him to a five-round bout with a raised purse, or release him outright. The 35-year-old Brazilian is coming off a knockout win over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327.

Magomed Ankalaev, the 34-year-old who lost his heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, responded with a proposal. "You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions," Ankalaev wrote. "I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose."

Ankalaev positioned himself as a low-risk option for Costa, claiming the Brazilian has everything to gain from the matchup. The former champion last fought at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, where he earned a decision win over Bogdan Guskov.

Costa has previously criticized fighters for accepting unfavourable contract terms from the promotion. His public disclosure of deal specifics is rare for UFC athletes, who typically keep financial arrangements private. No date has been set for his final contracted bout.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Paulo Costa leaks UFC contract details, Magomed Ankalaev offers ‘nothing to lose’ option for farewell fight