Dana White Responds to Paulo Costa’s UFC Fight and Contract Dispute

UFC CEO Dana White has addressed Paulo Costa's growing frustration with the promotion, pushing back against suggestions that the Brazilian is being neglected. Speaking after Week 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series, White acknowledged Costa's discontent but stated that the former title challenger has been rejecting match proposals.

"Oh, yeah. [Paulo is] frustrated, yeah," White said. "He's been offered fights and turned them down.

We don't just say, 'f*ck Paulo Costa,' and, 'you're not going to get a fight,' and 'no, we're not going to pay you,' and 'no, we're not going to do this.' Guys get offered... You think Paulo Costa isn't getting offered fights?"

Costa recently criticized UFC executive Hunter Campbell after reportedly being offered a short-notice five-round bout for the final fight of his current deal. Costa stated that his contracted purse is structured for three rounds, arguing that he requires appropriate compensation and adequate preparation time for a 25-minute contest. Alternatively, Costa expressed willingness to accept a three-round bout against any competitor on the UFC light heavyweight roster, while also repeatedly asking for his release from the organization.

Prior to the dispute, Costa campaigned for an interim title bout during light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg's recovery from injury, though Costa claimed the promotion showed no interest. Most recently, Costa was called out by former champion Magomed Ankalaev.