Paulo Costa criticizes UFC after declining Magomed Ankalaev replacement fight

The UFC approached Paulo Costa about replacing Khalil Rountree against Magomed Ankalaev on short notice, highlighting late changes to the Abu Dhabi card. In comments to Ariel Helwani, Costa said the short-notice fight with Magomed Ankalaev involved a 16-hour trip to Abu Dhabi, five rounds, and no interim belt. The former UFC title challenger added that the offer matched his current pay and arrived with less than 14 days to prepare. He said the approach followed recent demands, likening negotiations to Francis Ngannou's disputes. Costa mocked the proposal on X. Rountree withdrew injured and Bogdan Guskov stepped in. Costa recently beat Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov.