Paulo Costa demands UFC release

Paulo Costa has grown tired of his standing with the UFC and has asked to be released from the company.

‘The Eraser’ hasn’t fought for five months, and doesn’t know when he will next be called upon by the UFC. At 35, the Brazilian is coming toward the latter stages of his career, and believes it’s likely now or never to be given opportunities before time catches up to him.

Currently on a two-fight win streak, Paulo Costa believes he has done enough to earn big-name fights with meaningful incentives. Not feeling he is being utilized correctly by the promotion, Costa has asked for his release.

“We already asked to be released, but they refused,” Costa said. “They said, ‘No, we’re not going to release you. You need to do one more at least.’ Actually, I’ve been asking for this a couple of times. The most recent was days ago.”

Costa continued:

“It’s not about relationships. We are professionals. Just go, show up, fight, that’s it. I’m very professional; they are professional as well. It’s not about relationships. I’m an honest guy. I just say what I think. I don’t like to fake anything. It’s not about a fight against them. They’re doing their business, and I do mine.”

“I’m looking for big fights. I’m looking for big names. I think the fans want to see a great fight, a big fight. I’m in this position right now to make the big fights, and I want to bring these exciting fights to the fans. That’s my goal right now.”

The light heavyweight division is in limbo. Champion Carlos Ulberg is unavailable as he waits for ACL surgery; the #1-ranked fighter in the division via the Meta UFC rankings is Alex Pereira, who is still chasing a third title in a higher division.

Costa has rallied for an interim title to be put in place, but his request was denied by matchmakers. Unhappy with the decision, Costa said:

“I don’t think fans are so happy. I’m not happy, but it’s not about me. I’ve asked to fight since May. I asked them to fight in June, July, August. They told me to wait. I don’t know why. Maybe because the light heavyweight division is a little bit uncertain; it didn’t have too much fighters available…”

“I asked to fight in Salt Lake City; I asked to fight everywhere. California, UFC Noche, but for some reason, UFC doesn’t want to put the interim light heavyweight belt on the line. I think this is a disaster.”