Paulo Costa Issues Ultimatum to UFC Over Final Contract Fight

UFC light heavyweight Paulo Costa has publicly issued an ultimatum to the promotion, demanding either a three-round fight, a five-round bout with increased pay, or an immediate release from his contract. The Brazilian fighter, who has one fight remaining on his current deal, outlined his terms in a social media post directed at UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Costa stated that his contract stipulates a three-round fight for his final bout and that he is willing to face any opponent on the light heavyweight roster under those terms. Alternatively, he said he would accept a five-round fight if given at least six weeks' notice and a corresponding increase in his purse. His third option is a clean release from the organization. The public demand follows a period of frustration for Costa, who has been inactive since his victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April. According to Costa, he has previously asked the UFC for a release, but the promotion refused and instructed him to complete one more fight. He also claimed the UFC has been delaying his final bout in an effort to leverage his star power into signing a new long-term deal of six or eight fights.