Aljamain Sterling provides insight on Paulo Costa's UFC stalemate

Aljamain Sterling understands Paulo Costa‘s stance with the UFC.

Costa hasn’t been in favor with the promotion for years, and tensions are beginning to rise. Unhappy with his current situation, the Brazilian has called for the UFC to take action. Costa presented an ultimatum: release me or pay me what I’m worth.

Paulo Costa’s comments have left him in a stalemate with the UFC. Knowing what it’s like to negotiate with a promotional titan like the UFC, Aljamain Sterling questioned fighter power.

“I just want the fans to understand that these are called negotiations. There’s going to be some pushback. There’s going to be some stuff that the one side wants, and there’s going to be some stuff that the other side wants. Is it always going to be fair play? No. Is there a way to be somewhat medium halfway happy? Kind of, sort of. Are you always going to get exactly what you want? Probably not.”

“Especially as a fighter, you don’t have the most leverage. We’re not all Conor McGregor’s.”

Understanding his viewpoint, Sterling admired Costa’s willingness to stand his ground.

“I want something that makes sense for me. Same thing with Paulo Costa,” Sterling added. “He’s in a prime position. He beat an undefeated Russian killer; knocked him out. He’s in prime real estate position to get a big mega fight, potentially fight for a title. But what he’s trying to do, which from my perspective, it looks like he wants to roll the dice. Fight out his deal and see how much he’s really worth. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Sterling continued.

“Who knows, maybe he hasn’t gotten the biggest paychecks coming up, and he’s trying to cash out on that check while the iron is hot. I think that’s really what it is.”