Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa will NOT take place at UFC 284 in Perth
The fight between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa, scheduled to go down at UFC 284, has been canceled.
As per the UFC website, Whittaker was set to square off against Costa in a middleweight matchup at UFC 284. The event is scheduled for February 12 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
However, according to a recent report by Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, the fight has been called off. It should be noted that the UFC has not yet provided an official confirmation of the cancelation.
Check out the tweet posted by Brett Okamoto below:
espn.com/mma/story/_/id…
Costa and the UFC are currently negotiating the terms of renewal for the Brazilian's contract. The 31-year-old recently stated that he only has one fight left on his current contract and is not particularly interested in extending his contract with the promotion.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, 'Borrachinha' revealed that he refused a multi-fight deal with the UFC, stating:
"So I politely declined. They offer a 6-fight deal, but I'm not interested in a multi-fight deal."
Check out Costa's tweet below:
so I politely declined. they offer a 6-fight deal, but I'm not interested in a multi-fight deal.
Paulo Costa apologizes to Robert Whitaker for pulling out of UFC 284
Paulo Costa has repeatedly declared that he will not be participating in UFC 284 despite it being officially announced. The Brazilian has accused the UFC of not giving him a raise in pay despite facing the top fighters in the division.
Costa demanded a new contract with higher remuneration, claiming that he has had the same pay structure since 2017. The 31-year-old refused to fight at UFC 284 until a suitable contract was offered to him.
Taking to his Twitter handle, 'Borrachinha' apologized to Whittaker for pulling out of their fight due to contractual matters:
"Guys sending me this, I feel sad for Robert because the UFC didn't tell him the truth lol, you don't deserve this. Bro, sorry I won't fight you in Perth UFC posting this [Whittaker vs. Costa] just to sell tickets, you need to realize that.They didn't pay me, I'm out! I’m not joking."
Check out Paulo Costa's tweet below:
Guys sending me this, I feel sad for Robert because the UFC didn't tell him the truth lol, you don't deserve this. Bro, sorry I won't fight you in Perth UFC posting this (Robert vs Costa)just to sell tickets, you need to realize that.They didn't pay me, I'm out!I’m not joking 🙃 https://t.co/J43Z3LVnyq
With their UFC 284 bout seemingly being canceled, the fate of Robert Whittaker remains undecided. The former middleweight champion, however, exudes confidence and insists that he has worked out rigorously to be able to take on any opponent the UFC might match him up with.
Watch Whittaker sound off below: