Paulo Costa criticizes UFC rankings and roster management policies

Paulo Costa has publicly challenged the UFC regarding its administrative practices, citing inconsistent standards for fighter titles and ranking criteria. Costa specifically questioned why Alex Pereira holds a top-five heavyweight ranking despite having no wins in that division, following a loss to Ciryl Gane in an interim title bout at UFC Freedom 250. This criticism follows controversy over the UFC allowing Valentina Shevchenko to vacate her flyweight title due to injury rather than utilizing an interim champion. Cris Cyborg previously raised similar concerns regarding the inactivity of bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, arguing that title stripping policies should be applied uniformly. Costa, who is currently seeking a fight to conclude his contract, accused the organization of applying double standards to different athletes. The promotion has not provided an official response to the ranking concerns.

• 2:25 AMSherdog — Paulo Costa slams UFC ‘double standards,’ questions Alex Pereira ranking