Paulo Costa Calls Out Hunter Campbell After Frustrating Messages
Paulo Costa has a message for the UFC matchmakers. The 35-year-old has just one fight left in his contract and wants to enter the octagon ASAP.
Costa moved up to light heavyweight earlier this year, and at UFC 327, he knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov.
“The Eraser” is game to move down to middleweight or even compete at heavyweight next. Among the potential opponents the Brazilian would like to face are Khamzat Chimaev, Josh Hokit, and Sean Strickland.
It’s been more than 2 months since Costa’s last bout, and the latter is already frustrated with Hunter Campbell, who Costa alleges has kept him waiting without giving him a date or contract for his next fight.
Earlier today, Costa posted on X:
“Since I defeated Azamat in April, I have been looking for the next fight. I’ve eventually opened the door to fight at heavyweight. UFC told me to wait…wait… Here we are; it’s already July, and I’m still looking to fight someone else at light heavyweight, middleweight, or even heavyweight, but the answer from @ufc by Hunter Campbell is the same: “Wait”.”
Costa made it clear that he does not intend to wait any longer and wants a date and opponent:
“I want to fight; I don’t want to wait. I have just one more fight on my contract, and I want this fight to happen soon, but for some reason they don’t.”
Check out Paulo Costa’s comments below:
What can be next for Paulo Costa?
If Paulo Costa decides to fight at light heavyweight, he can take on former champion Jiri Prochazka next. If “The Eraser” decides to move up to heavyweight, he can lock horns with Jamahal Hill, who is also moving up to 265 pounds.
Should the UFC introduce a second BMF belt, Josh Hokit and “The Eraser” could compete for it, as the latter had previously suggested. Hokit, who has already fought twice in 2026, plans to enter the octagon two more times this year, and a potential match-up with Costa is not a bad idea.
Lastly, if the Brazilian decides to move back down to middleweight, he could run it back with Israel Adesanya, take on Joe Pyfer, or face Nassourdine Imavov if “The Sniper” doesn’t receive a title shot next. Either way, there are plenty of intriguing matchups waiting for Paulo Costa.
