Dana White Responds to Paulo Costa’s UFC Contract Release Demand

Paulo Costa has publicly outlined three options for the UFC with one fight remaining on his contract, while Dana White has addressed the Brazilian contender’s frustration over his current situation.

Paulo Costa has put his UFC future under the spotlight after publicly calling for clarity over the final fight on his contract. The Brazilian light heavyweight contender says he has one contractual bout remaining and wants the UFC to honor the terms attached to that obligation.

Costa’s public statement presented UFC officials with three possible paths: book him in a three-round light heavyweight fight under the existing terms, offer a five-round fight with an increased purse, or release him from the contract.

Dana White has now responded to Costa’s comments, making it clear that the UFC president does not believe the promotion has deliberately kept the veteran fighter without opportunities. White pointed to the number of fights regularly offered to UFC athletes, including fighters who are temporarily unable to compete.

Why Paulo Costa Has Put His UFC Contract Situation in Public

Costa has built a reputation as one of MMA’s more outspoken personalities, both inside and outside the Octagon. His latest comments were centered less on a particular opponent and more on what he believes should happen with his final contractual obligation.

According to Costa’s public statement, his contract contains one fight remaining and the purse for that bout is structured around a three-round contest. He said he is willing to face any opponent from the UFC’s light heavyweight roster if the fight is arranged under those terms.

However, Costa also proposed an alternative. If the UFC wants him to compete in a five-round light heavyweight fight within a six-week timeframe, he wants his compensation increased to reflect the additional rounds and commitment involved.

The third option he presented was straightforward: release him from his UFC contract rather than continue negotiations over the final bout.

That makes the situation notable because Costa is not simply asking for a particular opponent. His public demand is about the structure of the final fight and what he considers fair compensation if the UFC asks him to accept different terms.

Dana White Questions Costa’s Frustration

Dana White was asked about Costa’s position during a recent press conference and acknowledged that the fighter is frustrated. However, White disputed the suggestion that Costa is being ignored by the UFC.

White explained that fighters are regularly offered bouts and that turning down opportunities can affect how frequently they appear in the Octagon. He also used Tom Aspinall’s current situation as an example of a fighter continuing to receive opportunities despite circumstances affecting his ability to compete.

The UFC president’s broader argument was that the promotion continues to make fights available rather than intentionally withholding them from a particular athlete.

This creates two different perspectives on the situation. Costa is focusing on the terms surrounding his final contractual fight, while White is emphasizing the broader process through which UFC fighters are offered bouts.

What Exactly Did Paulo Costa Ask the UFC to Do?

Costa’s public proposal can be broken down into three options, giving the UFC a relatively clear framework for what he wants next.

The first option appears to be the closest to what Costa believes was already agreed upon. The second would require a change in the fight structure as well as additional compensation. The third would bring the contractual relationship to an end without another UFC appearance.

Costa also stated that he would accept any opponent from the UFC’s light heavyweight roster for the three-round option. That removes the need for negotiations over a specific matchup, at least from his stated position.

Why the Three-Round Versus Five-Round Issue Matters

In MMA, the number of scheduled rounds can have a major effect on preparation. A five-round fight requires athletes to plan for a longer contest and can influence training, pacing and conditioning strategies.

That distinction is particularly relevant when a fighter says the existing contractual terms specify three rounds but the promotion is considering a five-round contest instead.

Costa’s argument is therefore not simply about wanting more money. His proposal connects the length of the fight with compensation, suggesting that a change from three rounds to five should come with a corresponding adjustment to his purse.

Whether the UFC agrees with that interpretation or chooses another route remains a matter between the promotion and the fighter. Neither side’s public comments establish that a new fight agreement has been finalized.

Paulo Costa’s UFC Career Has Made Him a Major Name

Costa remains one of the more recognizable Brazilian fighters on the UFC roster. His aggressive style and willingness to speak openly have helped make him a regular part of MMA discussion even when he is not scheduled to compete.

His career has also included high-profile fights against some of the sport’s biggest names. That experience gives his current contract situation additional interest because a potential final UFC fight could determine whether he continues with the promotion or explores another stage of his career.

At this point, however, there is no confirmed opponent attached to the final contractual fight described by Costa. His own statement indicates that he is prepared to accept any light heavyweight opponent if the UFC proceeds with the three-round option.

Dana White Brings Tom Aspinall Into the Discussion

One of the more interesting elements of White’s response was his reference to Tom Aspinall.

White pointed out that Aspinall has been dealing with an issue involving his eyes but is still being offered fights. The example was used to challenge the idea that the UFC would simply stop communicating with Costa or refuse to offer him opportunities.

The comparison does not necessarily resolve the disagreement between Costa and the UFC. Aspinall’s circumstances and Costa’s contractual dispute are different situations. However, White used Aspinall to illustrate how the promotion continues to work with fighters even when their circumstances make matchmaking more complicated.

Could Paulo Costa Leave the UFC?

Costa has explicitly included his release as one of the three options he wants the UFC to consider. That does not mean a UFC departure has been confirmed.

His statement should instead be viewed as a public negotiating position. The fighter has one bout remaining according to his account, and he has told the promotion what he wants before fulfilling that obligation.

If the UFC accepts the three-round proposal, Costa could return for what would be his final contracted fight. If both sides agree to a five-round contest with revised compensation, that would create a different arrangement. A release would open the possibility of Costa pursuing opportunities outside the UFC.

For now, none of those outcomes has been officially confirmed.

What Happens Next for Costa?

The immediate focus will be on whether the UFC responds to Costa’s three-option proposal with a concrete fight offer or another contractual arrangement.

Costa has made it clear that he is willing to compete at light heavyweight and is not demanding a particular opponent. That potentially gives UFC matchmakers considerable flexibility if the promotion chooses to book him.

The more complicated question concerns the terms. If the UFC wants a conventional three-round fight, Costa has indicated that he wants the contractual structure he says was already agreed upon. If the promotion wants five rounds, he expects his purse to increase.

That leaves the two sides with a fairly specific issue to resolve rather than an uncertainty over whether Costa wants to fight at all.

Why This Situation Is Worth Watching

Costa’s comments highlight how UFC contractual negotiations can become public when a fighter believes there is a disagreement over matchmaking or compensation.

White’s response also shows that the UFC views the situation differently. From the promotion’s perspective, fighters are routinely offered opportunities, and White has rejected the implication that Costa is being deliberately denied fights.

Until a new bout is announced or the contract status changes, the public statements from both sides represent competing positions rather than a finalized outcome.

The situation could ultimately end with Costa completing his UFC obligation, negotiating a revised deal for a five-round fight, or leaving the promotion after securing his requested release. For now, the next official UFC announcement will be important in determining which direction the relationship takes.

Final Verdict

Paulo Costa has made his position on his UFC contract unusually clear, presenting three possible solutions with one fight reportedly remaining on his deal. Dana White, meanwhile, has rejected the idea that Costa is being ignored and pointed to the regular fight opportunities offered to UFC athletes.

The key issue is now the terms of Costa’s final obligation. A three-round fight, a higher-paid five-round contest or a contractual release are the three paths he has publicly proposed. Until the UFC confirms its next move, Costa’s future with the promotion remains unresolved.