Paulo Costa rips UFC over short-notice Ankalaev offer

Paulo Costa turned down a short-notice replacement bout against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi and went public with his frustration over how the promotion handled the offer.

Costa told Ariel Helwani that the UFC approached him to step in for the injured Khalil Rountree on July 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The Brazilian said the promotion gave him less than two weeks to fly 16 hours to Abu Dhabi for a five-round main event against the former heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion with no bump in pay and no interim title on the line. "They called yesterday," Costa said. "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 compares UFC negotiations to Ngannou exit

The former middleweight title challenger has been calling for a fight in recent weeks and believes the lowball offer came as a response to his public complaints. Costa drew a comparison to Francis Ngannou's departure from the UFC after failed contract talks, suggesting the promotion has a pattern of driving top fighters away. "The way they handled these negotiations, I don't think it's the best way," Costa said. "I think they push good talents away from them. They create a distance; they create beef between fighters and the guy who negotiates. We have seen this in the past. Francis was one of these guys."

Costa posted a sarcastic summary of the offer on social media: "Hey I have a great deal for you: NON TITLE Fight in 13 days short notice, Abu Dhabi, 5 rounds, same money, nothing better." The UFC replaced Rountree with Uzbek contender Bogdan Guskov instead.

Costa has won his last two fights, stopping Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov. No rebooked date for his next bout has been announced.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Paulo Costa criticizes UFC after declining Magomed Ankalaev replacement fight