Magomed Ankalaev challenges Paulo Costa to fight after ultimatum to UFC
(Courtesy : UFC)
The former UFC light heavyweight champion has offered Costa a high-stakes option.
Former Champion Magomed Ankalaev has once again called for a fight with Paulo Costa, offering the Brazilian a potentially significant matchup at 205 pounds.
Ankalaev has not fought since stopping Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July and is looking to return to the Octagon. Costa, meanwhile, is pushing the UFC to resolve the final fight on his contract.
Costa recently made his position public, saying he has one fight remaining on his UFC deal and wants the promotion to book the three-round contest specified in his contract, accept a five-round fight with an adjusted purse, or release him.
Ankalaev responded directly to Costa on X, arguing that a fight against him could give the Brazilian an opportunity to make a major statement before potentially entering free agency.
“You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions. I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get-out-of-jail-free card. Let’s fight.”
Magomed Ankalaev sees Paulo Costa matchup as a win-win
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The challenge comes after Ankalaev previously expressed interest in fighting Costa, particularly while the light heavyweight title picture remains unsettled with reigning Champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined due to injury.
Costa moved up to 205 pounds and scored a knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, while Ankalaev returned to the win column against Guskov in Abu Dhabi.
Ankalaev’s argument is straightforward: a victory would put Costa in position to capitalize on his contract situation, while a defeat would come against a fighter many would expect to beat him.
Whether Costa accepts the challenge remains to be seen, but Ankalaev has made his position clear. The UFC would also need to agree to the matchup.
UFC light heavyweight division awaits movement
The broader issue is the lack of movement at the top of the light heavyweight division. Carlos Ulberg became champion at UFC 327 after knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round. Ulberg subsequently suffered an ACL tear, with his recovery expected to keep him out for an extended period.
An interim title fight has been discussed as a possibility, but no official matchup has been confirmed. That uncertainty leaves contenders such as Ankalaev and Costa waiting for clarity.
For Ankalaev, a fight with Costa would provide an opportunity to stay active while the title picture develops. For Costa, it could represent a final UFC fight with significant implications for his next move. For now, Ankalaev has put the matchup on the table. The next move belongs to Costa and the UFC.
Why did Magomed Ankalaev call out Paulo Costa?
Ankalaev challenged Costa after the Brazilian publicly pushed the UFC to book the final fight on his contract.
When did Magomed Ankalaev last fight?
Ankalaev last competed against Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, where he secured a stoppage victory.
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