Ankalaev offers Costa a UFC contract exit: 'I'm your get-out-of-jail-free card'

Magomed Ankalaev has extended a public challenge to Paulo Costa, offering to be the opponent who fulfils the final fight on Costa’s current UFC contract — and framing it as a straightforward win-win for the Brazilian and a thankless task for himself.

Costa has been locked in a public dispute with the UFC over the terms of his remaining contractual obligation. The Brazilian’s most recent complaint centred on being offered a short-notice five-round fight without additional compensation. Costa has said he is willing to compete over 25 minutes but wants proper pay and adequate preparation time. He has also directed criticism at UFC executive Hunter Campbell and repeatedly requested his release from the promotion.

Ankalaev, who lost the light heavyweight title in his rematch with Alex Pereira before returning to winning ways against Bogdan Guskov, sees an opportunity — even if the upside for him is limited. The Dagestani fighter posted his pitch directly to Costa on X, laying out the asymmetric logic of the fight in blunt terms.

“You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions,” Ankalaev wrote. “I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get-out-of-jail-free card. Let’s fight.”

Ankalaev’s reasoning is straightforward: as the likely favourite, a win over Costa does little to elevate his standing, while a loss would be damaging. For Costa, however, a victory over a former champion would dramatically raise his market value heading into free agency.

Costa enters the potential matchup in strong form, having recorded back-to-back finishes in his most recent outings. No fight has been officially announced or confirmed by the UFC.