Paulo Costa might leave UFC behind as the former middleweight title challenger grows increasingly frustrated with the promotion over his next fight.
Costa has repeatedly called on UFC matchmakers to book his return, but he claims he has received no recent update from the promotion. The Brazilian is also disputing the terms of the final fight on his contract, particularly the UFC’s reported approach to five-round bouts without additional compensation.
The 35-year-old has threatened to take his fighting career elsewhere, suggesting he will compete before the end of 2026, even if the UFC does not give him a fight.
“Nothing from the UFC,” Costa wrote on X. “I’m going to fight at an event at the end of the year. I’m in great shape and in my prime. I’m going to do what I love — fight somewhere.”
Costa has enjoyed a strong start to his light heavyweight run after moving up from middleweight. He knocked out previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov with a head kick at UFC 327, adding to his earlier victory over Roman Kopylov.
The Brazilian had hoped to secure an interim light heavyweight title fight while champion Carlos Ulberg recovered from an injury, but the matchup never materialized.
Costa has also been linked to potential fights against former champions Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev. However, neither matchup came together, leaving the Brazilian waiting for his next assignment.
His frustration has also drawn a response from UFC CEO Dana White, who previously accused Costa of turning down multiple fight offers. Costa’s latest comments suggest that the disagreement over his contract and his prolonged wait for a fight remain unresolved.
Despite the uncertainty, Costa could still return to the Octagon before the end of the year if he and the UFC reach an agreement. However, his public declaration that he intends to fight somewhere has raised questions about whether he will complete his career with the promotion.
Costa is not the only UFC star dealing with contractual frustrations. Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has also expressed dissatisfaction with his contract situation and recently hinted at the possibility of stepping away from competition if he cannot resolve the dispute.
For now, Costa appears determined to keep fighting, with or without the UFC.
