Paulo Costa shows interest in Francis Ngannou fight days after announcing new UFC deal

Paulo Costa and Francis Ngannou were among the prominent UFC fighters who advocated for better fighter pay and welfare. While Francis Ngannou has since left the organization, Paulo Costa has signed a new UFC contract worth up to $1 million per fight, according to his fiancee and manager Tamara Alves.

Since becoming a free agent, numerous renowned combat sports organizations, including Bellator and BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), have chased Ngannou. 'The Predator' recently disclosed in an interview on The MMA Hour that he is very close to signing a new contract with either One Championship or PFL (Professional Fighters League).

Francis Ngannou says it will be boxing next, but he's "very close" to signing with PFL or ONE Championship for MMA 👀 #TheMMAHour

▶️ youtube.com/watch?v=-FcCgw… https://t.co/sy9a4YqFqY

The MMA community is waiting for Ngannou's next move with great anticipation. However, everyone, including Paulo Costa, is intrigued by the thought of one of the hardest-hitting fighters on the planet competing in BKFC. The Brazilian took to Twitter to question how much an opponent would be paid to fight Francis Ngannou:

"How much are the paying the opponent to fight Francis Nagnnou in Bareknuckle boxing? I [ask a] good question here."

Check out the tweet below:

How much are the paying the opponent to fight Francis Nagnnu in bareknuckle boxing? I a good question here

Costa has been embroiled in a pay dispute with the company since his last fight against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. He was slated to become a free agent this month, but he will now continue to fight for the UFC after signing a $4 million, four-fight contract.

Paulo Costa UFC contract: Manager claims 'Borrachinha' will become the highest-paid Brazilian fighter with new deal

Paulo Costa took to social media multiple times over the past year to gripe about his previous UFC contract and signal that he was willing to leave the company after competing in his final bout.

The Brazilian has finally reached an agreement with the UFC for a new contract.

Tamara Alves, Paulo Costa's fiancee and manager, claimed in a recent interview with Ag. Fight that with the new deal, 'Borrachinha' will become the highest-paid Brazilian fighter in the UFC:

“Paulo went from being one of the most devalued athletes to one of the most valued athletes in the UFC. I have no doubt that Paulo is the highest-paid Brazilian athlete in the organization today. I don’t know if you know any Brazilian athlete that is paid more than a million dollars per fight. I don’t....especially in non-title fights.”

Costa has shown interest in fighting Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland once the deal gets signed.

Paulo Costa expects to continue his UFC career under a new contract 💰

Full story: bit.ly/3FP4HY2 https://t.co/V5hjhY2Ivu

Costa previously revealed in another interview with Ag.Fight that during negotiations for a potential Robert Whittaker fight, he was initially offered $500,000 to show and $150,000 to win, which he turned down.