Paulo Costa has stated he is ready to compete for the title against Magomed Ankalaev. According to Costa, Carlos Ulberg is out for a year following surgery, as confirmed in a conversation between the two yesterday. With Ulberg sidelined, Costa believes the promotion should organize another title fight, whether for an interim or vacant belt. Costa plans to participate in this opportunity and expects to be the next fighter to compete for championship gold. The details regarding which title division this concerns remain limited in the original report.
Paulo Costa has publicly declared his readiness to step in and challenge Magomed Ankalaev for light heavyweight gold after Carlos Ulberg revealed he is sidelined for approximately a year following surgery. Costa stated he learned of Ulberg's situation directly from the New Zealander in a conversation the day before his announcement, and he believes the promotion should now organize a title fight — interim or vacant — with him as the challenger.
Costa, 35, carries a 16-4 record and is currently ranked 13th in the middleweight division, making a move up to light heavyweight a notable jump in weight class. The Brazilian out of Team Borracha is one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Ulberg, also 35, has been one of the more compelling risers in the 205-pound ranks. The City Kickboxing product sits third in the light heavyweight division with a 15-1 record, standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach. He averages 6.54 significant strikes per minute, making him a dangerous stand-up threat whose absence leaves a clear hole at the top of the division.
Ankalaev, 34, holds a 21-2-1 record and is ranked first in light heavyweight while sitting fifth in the pound-for-pound standings. The Russian fighter out of Gorets Fight Club stands six-foot-three and brings a measured, technical approach — averaging 3.65 significant strikes per minute alongside 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Ulberg's year-long absence removes the top-ranked light heavyweight contender from title contention
- Ankalaev's path to a title defense now lacks an obvious opponent, creating an opening Costa is targeting
- A potential cross-division move for Costa would pit one of the sport's highest-volume strikers against a calculating, well-rounded champion
