UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa, ranked No. 2 at 185 pounds, refused to fight No. 4-ranked Jared Cannonier atop the “Fight Night” event in August because the promotion wasn’t paying him enough to compete.
Especially compared to what YouTube star Logan Paul made against Floyd Mayweather.
“Less than $350k is a joke,” Costa (13-1) wrote on Twitter. “UFC needs to pay me as main fighter to have fighting in main events. YouTubers are showing all disgrace on this business. Just to be clear. I never signed or locked up that contract. Why UFC announced this fight if didn’t signed? My question too.”
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou was also upset by the Mayweather-Paul payouts.
Unfortunately for “The Eraser,” who is coming off an embarrassing technical knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last September, one that may or may not have been affected by wine, promotion president Dana White is moving on — with or without him.
“He’s under contract,” White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter. “I’m supposed to let people out of their contract just because they’re mad that YouTube kid is fighting and making money? You should be happy for the kid, good for him. He put himself in a position to where he was able to fight Floyd Mayweather and make a bunch of money. You’re mad? You just came off a ridiculous, horrible performance. Come back and put yourself in a position to do something big.”
Taking over for Costa on Aug. 21 is fellow middleweight bruiser Kelvin Gastelum.
The 30 year-old Brazilian recently extended his contract with UFC so it will take some work for Costa to make himself available to the open market. And unlike former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, “The Eraser” may not have the money or resources to sit home and train until he gets bored of the simple life.
“You know what I say all the time, we have fights every weekend,” White continued. “If you want to be busy, you can fight every weekend if you want to. Get out of your contract, and go do whatever you want to do.”