Brazilian middleweight Paulo Costa has responded to a callout from Bogdan Guskov. The post does not provide details on the nature of Costa's response or whether he accepted a potential matchup. Guskov has been vocal about wanting to face high-profile opponents in the UFC middleweight division. Costa is a former title challenger known for his aggressive striking style. Further details on negotiations or a potential booking have not been disclosed.
Brazilian middleweight Paulo Costa has publicly responded to a callout issued by light heavyweight contender Bogdan Guskov, though the specifics of Costa's reply and whether he has accepted a potential fight remain unclear.
Costa, known by the nickname "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 record and is currently ranked thirteenth in the UFC middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and built his reputation as a former title challenger through relentless pressure and elite striking output. He lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more dangerous punchers in the 185-pound weight class. He fights out of an orthodox stance and stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach.
Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," enters the conversation from a different division entirely. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan competes at light heavyweight, where he sits ranked tenth with an 18-3-1 record. Fighting out of GOR MMA, the six-foot-three orthodox striker carries a 76-inch reach and lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, adding a grappling dimension to his game. Guskov has been outspoken about pursuing high-profile matchups in the UFC.
Why it matters
- A potential crossover or catch-weight bout between the two would be unconventional given Guskov competes at light heavyweight and Costa at middleweight
- Costa's ranking at thirteenth in the middleweight division means a notable win could push him back toward title contention
- Guskov's submission threat contrasts sharply with Costa's pure striking identity, creating an interesting stylistic dynamic if the fight were made
- No official negotiations or booking details have been disclosed at this stage
