Paulo Costa renews call for UFC release after failed UFC 332 saga: 'This is a disaster'

Paulo Costa is still grappling with his UFC contract following a solid win over Azamat Murzakanov in April. Had discussions with the UFC been more amicable, Costa might have returned to action sooner. In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Costa revealed that he has requested his release from the UFC at least twice this year.

Initially, he approached UFC officials directly in January, but his request was denied. Costa then enlisted the help of his manager and girlfriend, Tamara Alves, who made a second attempt at securing his release a few days ago. Costa, 35, has one more fight left under his UFC contract before he becomes a free agent. He told Uncrowned that both he and Alves have been in weekly communication with UFC officials, but they have consistently refused his release requests.

Costa's initial plea for release came after an offer to fight middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder on short notice, which ultimately went to Caio Borralho in March. Costa last fought at UFC 327 in April, where he defeated Murzakanov via a third-round head kick. Despite the win, he did not receive a $100,000 post-fight bonus.

Costa expressed his disappointment over the quality of the main event at UFC 332, the women's flyweight title bout between Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, which he believed could have been a better fight card for the Salt Lake City event. He questioned why the interim light heavyweight title bout between Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka was not used for a potential fight, given that Ulberg is expected to recover from his ACL injury by the end of 2026.

Costa stated that he feels the UFC's decision not to put the interim title on the line is a "disaster." He plans to join forces with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Talent Agency, replacing longtime manager Tiki Ghosn. Costa expressed his admiration for Hearn's work and expressed his excitement about the partnership. Despite the current uncertainties surrounding his UFC status, Costa remains optimistic and believes that Hearn's expertise will benefit the MMA community.