Paulo Costa teases move to boxing after expiry of "miserable" UFC contract
UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has teased a move to boxing as he's not happy with his current contract with the UFC.
'Borrachinha' is currently one of the most popular fighters on the roster, thanks in part to his antics on social media. Prior to his loss to Israel Adesanya, the Brazilian was viewed as a fighter with little personality. Although Costa came up short in his world title bid, he has enjoyed a career resurgence amongst the MMA community.
Costa last fought at UFC 278 against Luke Rockhold in one of the wildest fights of the year. Both men went to war and were beaten and bloodied come the final bell. The pair earned the Fight of the Night bonus with Costa winning via unanimous decision. In his post-fight press conference, 'The Eraser' confirmed he had one fight remaining on his contract.
He recently tweeted:
"My miserable contract with the UFC was up in a few short months. Will expire in time. A new #boxer is coming to town!"
My miserable contract with the UFC was up in a few short months. will expire in time . A new #boxer is coming to town!🙌
While many fans hope the Brazilian agrees to a new deal, one can understand why 'Borrachinha' is looking at ventures elsewhere. Costa earned a meager $65,000 to fight Rockhold and another $65,000 to win. In comparison, the American took home a flat $200,000 despite the loss.
Paulo Costa is scheduled to make the final appearance of his current contract at UFC 284. The Brazilian is slated to face former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
Robert Whittaker claims he has more "skill" than Paulo Costa
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is excited at the prospect of facing Paulo Costa.
'The Reaper' is the No.1-ranked middleweight and is considered by most to be the best fighter in the division behind Israel Adesanya. The Australian has seemingly cleared the 185lbs roster but Paulo Costa remains one of the few fighters in the top 10 Whittaker is yet to face.
In an interview with Submission Radio, 'The Reaper' was respectful of his upcoming opponent but ultimately believes he's a level above him:
"I think he's a tough guy and I'm taking this fight with all the respect that I do every other fight. I'm gonna go in there in February as the best version of myself. I think the best version of myself is better than everybody else in the division. I think skill-wise, I'm better than Paulo across the board. He probably benches more than me though!"
Catch Whittaker on Submission Radio here: