Paulo Costa says his UFC future could take several different directions as the former middleweight title challenger weighs what comes next on a contract with just one fight left. The Brazilian contender shared his thoughts on social media this week, laying out options that include a rematch with Sean Strickland, a move to heavyweight, or asking the UFC to release him so he can face Mike “Platinum” Perry on Netflix.
That last possibility is the most surprising, especially at a time when crossover fights continue to draw major attention in the U.S. combat sports market. While Costa remains a recognizable name in the UFC, his comments suggest he is thinking beyond the traditional title path and toward the kind of event that could generate mainstream interest outside the promotion.
According to Costa, one option is a middleweight title fight in a rematch with Strickland. Another is a heavyweight bout with “Hokit.” A third, and the one he said he currently likes most, would involve seeking release from the final fight on his UFC contract in order to meet Perry in a Netflix-backed event.
For the middleweight division, the Strickland angle is the most meaningful. A second fight between Costa and Strickland would immediately affect the contender line at 185 pounds, where the title picture remains crowded and every high-profile matchup matters. If Costa can work his way back into that conversation, he becomes relevant again in a division that has moved on quickly. If not, the UFC may have little reason to prioritize him over more active contenders.
There is also pressure on Costa personally. He still has name value, but he needs a signature result to reestablish himself as more than a dangerous, marketable wild card. Whether that comes in a ranked UFC fight or a crossover spectacle, the next move could define the final stretch of his current deal.
Now the focus shifts to whether the UFC sees Costa as a middleweight player, a heavyweight experiment, or a fighter willing to test his leverage before his contract runs out.