Magomed Ankalaev has set his sights on Paulo Costa as a potential next opponent. Costa had previously turned down an offer to compete at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Magomed Ankalaev has publicly called out Paulo Costa as a potential next opponent after the Brazilian middleweight declined an offer to fight at UFC Abu Dhabi, leaving the Russian light heavyweight contender looking for a different dance partner.
Ankalaev enters this position from a place of considerable leverage. The 34-year-old Dagestani holds the number-one ranking in the light heavyweight division and sits fifth on the pound-for-pound list, carrying a record of 21-2-1. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, Ankalaev is a well-rounded threat who averages 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects at a 52 percent striking accuracy rate. He fights out of Gorets Fight Club and competes as an orthodox striker.
Costa, 35, operates one division below at middleweight, where he is currently ranked 13th. The Brazilian, who trains with Team Borracha, brings a notably different offensive profile. He lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 58 percent accuracy — among the higher output rates in the division — and stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach. His record stands at 16-4-0 and he fights out of an orthodox stance.
Why it matters
- Ankalaev is the top-ranked light heavyweight contender and needs an opponent to stay active and relevant in title discussions.
- A cross-divisional matchup with Costa would be an uncommon stylistic test, pitting Ankalaev's wrestling-integrated game against one of middleweight's most aggressive strikers.
- Costa's decision to pass on UFC Abu Dhabi already drew attention; his response to this callout will carry further divisional and promotional weight.
- If the bout materializes, it would likely be framed as a catchweight or light heavyweight contest, raising questions about how Costa handles the size and reach disadvantage.
