Paulo Costa is down to the last fight on his UFC contract and faces a difficult decision: sign a long-term extension or risk being sidelined. The situation has left Costa in limbo as negotiations continue.
Paulo Costa is locked in a contract standoff with the UFC as he enters the final fight on his current deal, leaving his future with the promotion uncertain.
Costa, known as "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 professional record and is ranked 13th in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and brings one of the most aggressive striking styles in the 185-pound weight class. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa lands an imposing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more dangerous punchers in the division. His output on the ground is minimal, with just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and no submission attempts to speak of, underlining his identity as a pure pressure striker.
With one fight remaining on his deal, Costa now faces a pivotal crossroads: agree to a long-term extension with the UFC or hold his ground and risk being kept off cards while negotiations drag on. Neither outcome is without consequence. Signing under unfavorable terms could lock him in for years, while refusing could leave him inactive and sliding further down the rankings.
Why it matters
- Costa sits at 13th in the middleweight division, and prolonged inactivity could push him out of the top 15 entirely.
- A fighter of his striking caliber and name recognition carries leverage, but the UFC typically holds the upper hand in contract disputes.
- Resolution of the standoff will determine whether Costa can remain a relevant contender in a middleweight division that continues to evolve around him.
Negotiations are described as ongoing, and no resolution has been announced as of the reported date.
