Magomed Ankalaev challenges Paulo Costa on X after Brazilian’s contract ultimatum

Magomed Ankalaev challenged Paulo Costa to a 205-pound bout on X on 2026-09-22, responding after Costa publicly demanded the UFC resolve the final fight on his contract. The callout follows Costa’s ultimatum to the promotion about the terms of his last contracted bout.

Ankalaev has not fought since stopping Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, while Costa moved up to 205 pounds and scored a knockout over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327. Costa has made his contractual position public, saying he has one fight remaining and pressing the UFC to either book the three-round contest specified in his deal, agree to a five-round fight with an adjusted purse, or release him.

Ok, I’m making this public and clear:I have 1 fight left. On my contract The purse is set for 3 rounds, not 5. I’m asking for the 3-round fight that was already agreed on contract . It can be anyone on the UFC LHW roaster.I think Hunter has 3 options now:A) Give me that last…

Ankalaev replied directly to Costa on X and framed the matchup as a low-risk, high-reward option for the Brazilian, writing: "You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions. I beat you, everybody expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get-out-of-jail-free card. Let’s fight."

The light heavyweight title picture remains unsettled: Carlos Ulberg became champion at UFC 327 after knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round, then suffered an ACL tear with recovery expected to keep him out for an extended period. An interim title fight has been discussed but no official matchup has been confirmed, leaving top contenders without a clear path to the belt.

Ankalaev has suggested a Costa matchup would allow him to stay active while the title situation develops, and he presented the bout as a meaningful opportunity for Costa given his contract status. For Costa, the fight could represent the final match on his UFC deal or a bargaining point in negotiations with the promotion.

Whether Costa accepts Ankalaev’s challenge and whether the UFC will sanction the proposed matchup are now the outstanding questions; the next move belongs to Costa and the UFC.