Magomed Ankalaev targets matchup against Paulo Costa in UFC light heavyweight division
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 5:43 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
UFC light heavyweight fighter Magomed Ankalaev has publicly expressed his desire to face Paulo Costa in his next bout. Ankalaev, who is currently ranked number two in the division, recently defeated Bogdan Guskov by fifth-round TKO at UFC Abu Dhabi in July. He claims his interest in the fight is strictly competitive, citing respect for Costa's skills rather than personal animosity. According to Ankalaev, his management has reported that Costa has declined a bout against him on three separate occasions. Costa, ranked number four, has not competed since his head-kick knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April. The division remains in flux as reigning champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from an injury, leading to various scheduling discussions among top-ranked contenders.
- •Magomed Ankalaev seeks a bout with Paulo Costa to test his skills against a top-ranked opponent.
- •Ankalaev claims Paulo Costa has turned down fight offers against him three times.
- •The UFC previously attempted to book the pair for the UFC Abu Dhabi card.
- •Ankalaev holds the number two ranking while Costa is ranked fourth in the division.
- •The light heavyweight division is currently adjusting its schedule due to an injury to champion Carlos Ulberg.
- 5:43 AMYahoo Sports — Magomed Ankalaev Explains Why He Wants Paulo Costa Next
"Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev explained why he wants to fight Paulo Costa in his next fight. Ankalaev last fought against Bogdan Guskov in July, defeating him via fifth-round TKO in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. As for Costa, he is coming off a head-kick KO win over Azamat Murzakanov at […] The post Magomed Ankalaev Explains Why He Wants Paulo Costa Next appeared first on HEAVY.
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