Paulo
Costa claims the
Ultimate Fighting Championship is “lost” without Dana
White being more actively involved.
With one fight remaining on his UFC contract, the Brazilian voiced
his frustration in an interview with Sexto Round, saying White is
“greatly missed” in the matchmaking process.
Advertisement
Costa criticizes UFC matchmaking with one fight remaining on
his current contract
Costa said he was ready to compete again shortly after his April
victory and reached out to the UFC in June about potential fights
in July or August. According to the former title challenger, the
promotion told him it had not yet made a decision. “Borrachinha”
believes that the promotion is making mistakes and is failing to
capitalize on key matchups.
“Dana White is greatly missed,” Costa said. “The UFC is lost.
They’re making a lot of mistakes because of fear and a lack of
timing. If I said, ‘OK, I don’t mind being tied down, being
undervalued and getting paid less than I deserve,’ I’d probably be
fighting for the interim title by now. But I think that would be a
mistake. I know UFC champions who make half of what I make.”
When asked whether he had spoken with Eddie Hearn, Costa confirmed
that he had.
“It was a good conversation and he sent me a proposal to become
part of his management team,” Costa added.
The Brazilian is now seeking a meaningful matchup for the final
fight of his current contract. He broke down the light heavyweight
title mix, highlighting how he, former champ Magomed
Ankalaev and unbeaten contender Navajo
Stirling should be in the running for the rumored interim title
bout, rather than Jiri
Prochazka and Khalil
Rountree.
“I’m coming off a win, Ankalaev is coming off a win and this new
guy Navajo is also coming off a win; Jiri and Khalil are coming off
losses, so let’s see.”