Ankalaev Eyes Paulo Costa Bout If Ulberg Recovery Runs Long

Light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev is reportedly considering a fight with middleweight contender Paulo Costa as a contingency option, should Carlos Ulberg's recovery stretch beyond expectations. The potential crossroads bout has not been officially scheduled, and the report should be treated as unconfirmed at this stage.

Ankalaev, 34, holds a 22-2-1 professional record and currently sits fifth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter out of Gorets Fight Club stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and has built his reputation on disciplined wrestling, averaging 0.79 takedowns per fifteen minutes, combined with measured striking at 52 percent accuracy.

Ulberg, ranked third in the light heavyweight division, carries a 15-1-0 record and represents one of the more dangerous strikers in the 205-pound weight class. The New Zealand-based City Kickboxing product is six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and lands 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. It is his recovery timeline that has reportedly opened the door to alternative matchmaking discussions.

Costa, ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division at age 35, would be moving up in weight for such a bout. The Brazilian carries a 16-4-0 record and is among the sport's most aggressive pressure fighters, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent.

Why it matters

• Ankalaev needs an opponent to stay active as champion; Ulberg's availability remains uncertain
• A Costa matchup would cross divisional lines, raising questions about title implications and weight agreements
• Costa's elite striking volume against Ankalaev's takedown-oriented, methodical approach would represent a sharp stylistic contrast
• At 35, Costa has limited runway to secure a major fight, making a high-profile alternative like this mutually beneficial if it materializes