Paulo Costa frustrated with UFC delay in next fight booking
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 7:30 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Paulo Costa has publicly expressed frustration with the UFC's delay in securing his next fight. After successfully moving up to light heavyweight and defeating Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April, Costa is eager for a quick turnaround to conclude his current contract. He stated he has made himself available to compete in three divisions but has yet to receive a fight assignment from the organization. Costa's last winning streak this season marks his first since 2024. As of now, he continues to await an opponent.
- •Costa is 16-4 in MMA and 8-4 in UFC.
- •He fought in April and is waiting for his next opponent.
- •Costa has opened up to fighting in middleweight, light heavyweight, or heavyweight.
- •His previous active year was in 2024, with two losses.
- 4:25 AMYahoo Sports — Paulo Costa frustrated with UFC over lack of matchmaking
- 11:41 PMYahoo Sports — Paulo Costa frustrated with delay in booking final fight on current UFC deal
- 7:30 PMYahoo Sports — Paulo Costa expresses frustration with UFC waiting for next booking
"Former UFC middleweight title challenger and current light heavyweight contender Paulo Costa wants to book his next fight as soon as possible but says the fight promotion isn't cooperating. Costa (16-4) returned to the 205-pound weight class for his last fight, a TKO win over Azamat Murzakanov at ...
"Paulo Costa wants to keep the momentum going, but it appears that he and the UFC aren’t on the same page in that regard.
"Paulo Costa says he's made himself available to fight in three divisions, yet UFC won't give him an assignment.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 1, 2026, 4:25 AMPaulo Costa frustrated with UFC over lack of matchmaking
Former UFC middleweight title challenger and current light heavyweight contender Paulo Costa wants to book his next fight as soon as possible but says the fight promotion isn't cooperating. Costa (16-4) returned to the 205-pound weight class for his last fight, a TKO win over Azamat Murzakanov at ...
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 11:41 PMPaulo Costa frustrated with delay in booking final fight on current UFC deal
Paulo Costa wants to keep the momentum going, but it appears that he and the UFC aren’t on the same page in that regard.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 7:30 PMPaulo Costa expresses frustration with UFC waiting for next booking
Paulo Costa says he's made himself available to fight in three divisions, yet UFC won't give him an assignment.
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