Paulo Costa and the UFC have come to phrases on a brand new four-fight contract.
The UFC middleweight thought he had accomplished his most up-to-date deal following a unanimous determination towards Luke Rockhold in a ‘Battle of the Night time’ awarded look at UFC 278 this previous August. Previous to the Rockhold struggle, ‘Borrachinha’ expressed frustration over his pay, revealing that it stayed the identical since signing with the promotion practically 5 years in the past.
Because it turned out he nonetheless had one struggle left, a bout the UFC tried to make towards Robert Whittaker at UFC 284 earlier this yr. Costa ended up turning that struggle down, nevertheless, dubbing the struggle ‘pretend information’ shortly after it was introduced. Seemingly intent on staying sidelined till he obtained a brand new contract or secured his launch, followers have been ready for months to search out out what Costa’s subsequent transfer could be.
That’s, up till now, at the least. Costa not too long ago revealed that he and the UFC have formally agreed to a brand new deal—one which he expects to signal quickly. He credit the success to his supervisor (and girlfriend) Tamara Alves.
“I haven’t signed the contract but however now we have reached a cope with the UFC concerning the pay,” stated Costa in an interview with Brazilian outlet PVT (H/T Guilherme Cruz of MMA Preventing). “It wasn’t simple, there was plenty of arduous work, and I’ve to spotlight Tamara’s sensible work right here.”
With a brand new contract, Costa additionally revealed that he was provided two fighters for his subsequent struggle. The 31-year-old has both Sean Strickland in Might or Khamzat Chimaev in October.
“I need that, too,” stated Costa. “[The UFC] desires to ensure this Chimaev struggle occur in any respect prices, however I need to make each occur. We’ll see.”
Costa and Chimaev had a run-in on the UFC Efficiency Institute, the place ‘Borz’ was getting ready for his first headliner towards Nate Diaz at UFC 279 in September. Although a couple of phrases have been exchanged, neither fighter obtained bodily, but it surely seems as if they might have an opportunity to take action within the close to future.
As for Strickland, he slammed Costa for not preventing resulting from his pay dispute with the UFC. Now that it’s over, ‘Tarzan’ might get Costa as an opponent subsequent.
Costa is 6-2 within the UFC, with this solely losses coming to Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori.
In regards to the writer: Kristen King is a author for Bloody Elbow. She has lined fight sports activities since 2016. (full bio)
