Paulo Costa looks on during his middleweight bout against Johny Hendricks (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Paulo Costa has his mind set on fighting out his current UFC contract
Brazilian middleweight Paulo Costa has come to a decision of fighting out his UFC contract. Costa has been openly vocal about fighter pay, and issues in the UFC. While he still has fights left on his contract, his mission towards finishing his contract begins with the fight against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278.
‘The Eraser’ was last seen in the octagon against Marvin Vettori back in October, 2021. With very little positive conclusion to draw from the fight & build up to the fight, Costa aims to turn things around with a quick night at the office at UFC 278.
He looks to be in tremendous shape, and his aplomb is reflected by the way he has been carrying himself this fight week. Speaking to the media about his future plans at pre-fight media scrum, Costa said:
“Let’s see, we need to talk with UFC. It’s just business. It’s business for me, and we need to talk.”
While Costa did not directly shed light on the subject, he has hinted at potentially fighting out his contract several times in the past.
Leading up to the fight Costa had even said that he feels like this is his prime time, and he had the best fight camp leading up to UFC 278.
“This time I have nó injuries. I could surprised (even by me) beat my best weight until here. More muscles less fat . It’s just my prime time as I said . Unfortunately for all middleweight guys . God gave His grace and the knowledge to make something unbelievable.”
Leading up to UFC 278, Costa had said that he plans to finish Rockhold early in the fight. However he has reinstated that he’s prepared for every scenario, even if it means going the distance with his opponent.
“I prepare for a war, but I really don’t believe he can hang with me,” Costa said. “I think this fight will finish quickly, but I don’t care. If he could, in some way, hold (his own) and bring a war, I’m ready.”
The Brazilian said that his opponent’s chin will be tested in the fight and he has prepared for every possible outcome.
“I don’t know if I need to hurt him on the very beginning of the fight, but his chin will be tested,. I have no doubt about that.”
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