Paulo Costa has stated he is ready to fight Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title. According to Costa, current champion Carlos Ulberg is sidelined for a year due to an upcoming surgery and is out of action. Costa believes the UFC should organize a fight for either an interim or vacant title. He plans to participate in that bout and feels he should be next in line to compete for the championship belt. Costa spoke with Ulberg yesterday and received confirmation about the surgery and extended absence.
Paulo Costa has put his name forward as a replacement challenger for the light heavyweight title, publicly calling for a bout against Magomed Ankalaev after champion Carlos Ulberg disclosed he will be sidelined for approximately one year following an upcoming surgery.
Costa, currently ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division and holding a 16-4 record, is a 35-year-old Brazilian known for his heavy offensive output. He lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more prolific pressure fighters in the UFC. He spoke directly with Ulberg and says the champion confirmed the surgery and extended layoff, prompting Costa to push the UFC to organize either an interim or vacant title fight at 205 pounds.
Ulberg, the reigning light heavyweight champion out of New Zealand and trained at City Kickboxing, carries a 15-1 record and sits third in the divisional rankings. The six-foot-four, 193-centimeter striker posts an impressive 6.54 significant strikes per minute and owns a 77-inch reach, but with surgery now confirmed, his title reign will be paused indefinitely.
Ankalaev, the top-ranked light heavyweight contender from Russia, enters the picture as the natural opponent for any interim or vacant title fight. The 34-year-old holds a 21-2-1 record and is ranked fifth pound-for-pound. Standing six-foot-three at 191 centimeters, Ankalaev blends striking with a takedown threat of 0.79 per fifteen minutes.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's year-long absence creates a genuine vacancy at the top of the 205-pound division
- Ankalaev, as the top-ranked contender, is the logical opponent for any interim title fight
- Costa's pitch represents a cross-divisional move up from middleweight, adding an unconventional element to the title picture
- The UFC has not officially sanctioned or confirmed any bout in response to Costa's callout
