Costa rejects UFC's short-notice Abu Dhabi call-up and blasts promotion's negotiating tactics

Paulo Costa has publicly rejected a short-notice offer from the UFC to replace injured Khalil Rountree against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, and used the episode to criticise the promotion’s approach to fighter negotiations.

Rountree was pulled from the Etihad Arena main event on Yas Island after picking up an injury, with Uzbek contender Bogdan Guskov ultimately stepping in as his replacement. Costa revealed in an interview with Ariel Helwani that he was also approached before Guskov was confirmed, but turned the offer down flat.

“They called yesterday,” Costa said. “But I think it’s so short notice, like less than 14 days, to get a flight to Abu Dhabi. 16-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, five rounds, for the same money, and not even for an interim belt. I don’t think this makes sense right now.”

The Brazilian, who holds a 16-4 professional record and is coming off back-to-back wins over Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov, also took to X to summarise what he felt the UFC had offered him: “Hey I have a great deal for you: NON TITLE Fight in 13 days short notice, Abu Dhabi, 5 rounds, same money, nothing better.”

Beyond the specific terms, Costa used the situation to make a broader point about how the UFC handles its fighters. “The way they handled these negotiations, I don’t think it’s the best way,” he said. “I think they push good talents away from them. They create a distance; they create beef between fighters and the guy who negotiates. We have seen this in the past. Francis was one of these guys. They pushed so hard; they pushed him away and gave him to big events like MVP.”

The reference to Francis Ngannou — who departed the UFC in 2023 after a contract dispute and subsequently fought on the PFL’s Misfits-backed cards — underlines Costa’s concern that the promotion’s negotiating style risks alienating established names.

Costa has been vocal in recent weeks about a perceived lack of fight offers despite declaring himself ready to compete. He suggested the Ankalaev approach was a reactive, low-effort gesture rather than a genuine booking, and indicated he expects better terms before accepting another assignment.