Dana White Responds to Paulo Costas Demands for UFC Release and Fight Options
Dana White has responded to Paulo Costa’s public demand for a UFC release with a mixture of confusion and frustration. Following Week 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC CEO was asked about Costa’s social media ultimatum. White’s immediate reaction set the tone for his entire response.
“What the f— does that even mean?” White said when asked about Costa’s post during the post-event press conference.
Costa had posted a detailed ultimatum via social media on September 18, 2026, laying out three options for the promotion. The former middleweight title challenger stated he has one fight remaining on his contract with a purse structured for three rounds, not five.
Costa’s Three Options
In his statement on X, Costa presented what he called “simple and clean” options for UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell:
Ok, I’m making this public and clear:
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 20, 2026
I have 1 fight left. On my contract The purse is set for 3 rounds, not 5. I’m asking for the 3-round fight that was already agreed on contract . It can be anyone on the UFC LHW roaster.
I think Hunter has 3 options now:
A) Give me that last…
The first option was to book the agreed-upon three-round fight against any light heavyweight on the roster. The second was a five-round fight in six weeks, provided his purse was raised accordingly. The third and most dramatic option was an immediate release from his contract.
Costa made it clear he would accept any opponent for the three-round bout he claims was already contractually agreed upon.
The Brazilian has been campaigning for a fight since his April knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327.
The 35-year-old has grown increasingly frustrated with the promotion’s matchmaking. He previously revealed that he asked for his release multiple times, including after failing to secure an interim light heavyweight title fight at UFC 332. Costa claimed the UFC refused those requests, insisting he complete the final fight on his deal.
White Pushes Back on Costa’s Narrative
White directly contradicted Costa’s portrayal of a fighter being denied opportunities. The UFC CEO stated that matchmakers have repeatedly offered Costa fights, only for the Brazilian to decline them.
The UFC executive made it clear he had little patience for the Brazilian’s public negotiating tactics.
“He’s been offered fights and turned them down,” White revealed during the press conference.
White emphasized that the promotion does not simply ignore contracted fighters, regardless of their public complaints. He even used injured heavyweight Tom Aspinall, who has recently vacated the UFC heavyweight belt, as an example to illustrate his point about the frequency of fight offers.
“Tom Aspinall’s eyes are messed up. He’s getting offered fights. You think Paulo Costa isn’t getting offered fights?” White said.
The UFC executive’s response suggested he views Costa’s public ultimatum as a negotiating tactic rather than a legitimate grievance.
Light Heavyweight Division Remains Unsettled
White also addressed the broader state of the light heavyweight division, which remains in flux due to champion Carlos Ulberg’s injury. Ulberg suffered a knee injury during his championship victory over Jiri Prochazka and is expected to be sidelined until 2027.
White confirmed that more light heavyweight fights will be announced for the end of 2026.
“We’ll see what happens,” White said regarding the possibility of an interim title fight while Ulberg recovers.
The uncertainty at the top of the division has created an opening for contenders like Costa, but his contractual standoff with the promotion has left him in limbo.
Costa’s decision to align with Eddie Hearn as his manager has added another layer of complexity to the situation.
Hearn, a rival of White in the boxing world, now represents the Brazilian fighter during this contentious negotiation.
Costa must wait for a response from the UFC brass to either fight out his contract or secure a release from the promotion, but White’s comments suggest the UFC has no intention of granting the latter anytime soon.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.