Paulo Costa: Magomed Ankalaev 'closer to getting cut than to the title'

Paulo Costa finds himself in the title mix after UFC Fight Night 282. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) dominated Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC) in this past Saturday's main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Costa (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC), who finish

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Paulo Costa finds himself in the title mix after UFC Fight Night 282.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) dominated Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC) in this past Saturday's main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Costa (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC), who finished Azamat Murzakanov in his return to light heavyweight at UFC 327, ripped Ankalaev's performance. The Brazilian weighed his options, and doesn't see Ankalaev getting the title shot.

"Some say I should fight Jiri or Ankalaev. Jiri’s coming off a dumb loss and Ankalaev after one more super boring fight, is closer to getting cut than to the title."

Some say I should fight Jiri or Ankalaev. Jiri’s coming off a dumb loss and Ankalaev after one more super

boring fight, is closer to getting cut than to the title. pic.twitter.com/eYkEQCO1DE
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 28, 2026

Ankalaev welcomed a fight with Costa, but fears he won't engage in a striking battle. Costa criticized Ankalaev for getting booed by the Abu Dhabi crowd.