Paulo Costa has big decisions to make after his massive UFC 327 victory over Azamat Murzakanov in Miami.
“Borrachinha” moved up to light heavyweight and gave top-ranked Murzakanov the first loss of his career with a third-round knockout on April 4, and later told Ag. Fight that his current deal with the organization is close to coming to an end.
“I have one fight left on this contract,” Costa said. “Let’s see [what’s next]. I think we’re in a good position to fight for the belt, maybe.”
Now on a two-fight winning streak against middleweight Roman Kopylov and Murzakanov, Costa believes he could earn a shot at the belt at middleweight or light heavyweight, arguing that his latest victim was undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the official UFC light heavyweight list.
“The UFC already wanted to renew [the contact],” Costa said. “We’re seeing if we do one more and then sit down [to negotiate].”
Costa said his intention isn’t to just test the market and shop around for possibly better deals.
“I’m very grateful to the UFC,” Costa said. “But it’s my life, right?”
Moments after Costa’s backstage interview, Carlos Ulberg won the 205-pound championship on one leg against Jiri Prochazka, knocking him out in the opening round after suffering an apparent knee injury in the main event of UFC 327. Ulberg has yet to reveal a diagnosis and timetable for his return to the octagon.
In the middleweight division, Costa already has a heated rivalry with current champion Khamzat Chimaev. The undefeated fighter is set to defend his title on May 16 against Sean Strickland and has voiced his interest in moving to 205 pounds in the future.
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