Overview
- Costa posted his ultimatum on Sept. 20 saying he has one fight left and that his contract guarantees a three‑round purse so he will not accept a five‑round bout for the same pay.
- He gave UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell three options: book the three‑round fight he is owed, offer a five‑round fight with increased pay and at least six weeks' notice, or terminate his contract immediately.
- Costa has hired high‑profile manager Eddie Hearn to handle negotiations, turning a private dispute into a public standoff and increasing pressure on the UFC.
- He declined a short‑notice proposal to fight Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi, saying the under‑14‑day notice, long travel and unchanged pay made a five‑round fight unreasonable.
- Costa is coming off a KO win over Azamat Murzakanov in April and has a history of resisting long multi‑fight deals, which along with new outside platforms gives him leverage if talks fail.