Dana White was asked Tuesday about recent comments made by top UFC light heavyweight contender Paulo Costa.
In a series of recent tweets, Costa (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) had voiced displeasure about his business dealings with chief business officer Hunter Campbell, saying Campbell only offered him five-round fights, saying no three-round are available. Costa took exception, saying his contracted pay is for three-round fights, not five.
When asked about Costa's tweets following DWCS 93 on Tuesday at Meta APEX, White gave a familiar answer about how fighters are always offered "three fights a year," and Costa was no different. He did not address the issue Costa mentioned about the rounds.
"Oh, yeah. (Paulo is) frustrated, yeah," White told MMA Junkie and
other reporters. "He's been offered fights and turned them down. We don't just say, 'F*ck Paulo Costa,' and, 'You're not going to get a fight,' and 'No we're not going to pay you,' and, 'No, we're not going to do this.' Guys get offered three fights a year regularly, even guys who aren't fighting. Tom Aspinall's eyes are messed up. He's getting offered fights. You think Paulo Costa isn't getting offered fights?"
It's unclear what is next for Costa. He's 35, but has emerged as a top contender since moving to light heavyweight. In his most recent tweet, Costa said he has one fight on his UFC deal and asked the promotion to release him from his contract. Only time will tell how this conflict gets resolved – if it gets resolved.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White responds to Paulo Costa's ask for UFC release
