Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev have mutually agreed to fight each other, with both expressing willingness to meet before the end of the year, potentially in November or December. Ankalaev confirmed through his manager Ali Abdelaziz that UFC matchmakers Hunter and Mick have offered him the bout three or four times and he accepted every time. The holdup is a pay dispute: Costa refuses to fight five rounds at three-round pay, while Ankalaev challenged him to accept a five-round main event slot, noting Costa is 0-3 in five-round fights.
Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev have reportedly agreed in principle to fight each other before the end of 2026, with November or December floated as a potential window — though the bout remains unfinalized due to an ongoing pay dispute between Costa's camp and the UFC.
Costa, 35, competes at light heavyweight and enters this reported matchup ranked sixth in the division. The Brazilian carries a 16-4-0 record and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most aggressive pressure fighters. Training out of Team Borracha, he lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — elite output at any weight class. He stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach.
Ankalaev, 34, is the number-one ranked light heavyweight in the UFC and sits fifth in the pound-for-pound standings. The Russian holds a 22-2-1 record and trains with Gorets Fight Club. At six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he brings a more measured offensive approach, landing 3.65 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, and mixes in wrestling at 0.79 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
According to the report, Ankalaev's manager Ali Abdelaziz stated that UFC matchmakers have offered Ankalaev this fight three or four times and he has accepted on each occasion. The sticking point is pay structure: Costa has reportedly declined to compete in a five-round contest at three-round compensation. Ankalaev, for his part, challenged Costa to accept a five-round main event slot and noted that Costa holds a 0-3 record in five-round fights.
Why it matters
- Ankalaev is the division's top-ranked contender, and a win over Costa would strengthen his case for a title shot or affirm his status as next in line.
- Costa's ranking and high-volume striking style make him a legitimate test of Ankalaev's well-rounded game.
- The pay dispute introduces real uncertainty — neither side has officially signed, and the fight is not confirmed.
