Costa Reveals UFC Rejected Multiple Release Requests

Paulo Costa says UFC has rejected his requests for a contract release multiple times despite having only one fight left on his current deal.

The Brazilian middleweight-turned-heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight told Yahoo! Sports that the promotion refused to let him walk even when he pushed for his exit in recent days. "We already asked to be released, but they refused," Costa said, per the report. "They said, 'No, we're not going to release you. You need to do one more at least.' Actually, I've been asking for this a couple of times. The most recent was like days ago."

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Costa's Frustration Grows After UFC 332 Snub

Costa's discontent intensified after UFC turned down his offer to step in as a replacement for the UFC 332 main event in October following Valentina Shevchenko's injury withdrawal. The promotion instead booked a vacant women's flyweight title fight between Wang Cong and Natalia Silva. Costa had pitched filling the slot on the condition that UFC create an interim heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight belt while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from surgery.

"I'm sad because I think we could have given a much better fight card going on for the Salt Lake City fans," Costa told Yahoo!. "I don't think fans are so happy, I'm not happy, but it's not about me. I've asked to fight since May. I asked them to fight in June, July, August. They told me to wait."

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Costa maintains his stance has nothing to do with personal animosity toward UFC brass. "I'm very professional, they are professional as well. It's not about relationship. I'm an honest guy," he said. The 8-4 UFC veteran, who fought for the middleweight title in 2020 before losing to Israel Adesanya, has competed just six times in the six years since that stoppage defeat.

Costa must fulfill his final contractual obligation before exploring other options, which could include RIZIN, the reformed PFL-MVP venture, or Scott Coker's new promotion.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Paulo Costa requested UFC release multiple times with only one fight left on contract – ‘I’m very professional’