Former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa has withdrawn from a second consecutive fight.
The Brazilian was scheduled to face Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC on ESPN 26 which will take place on August 21. Several American outlets and the fighter himself declared the news.
Kelvin Gastelum will replace Costa for a second time since “Borrachinha” withdrew from his April fight against former champion Robert Whittaker.
The 29-year-old Gastelum hasn’t fought since he lost to Whittaker via UD.
Costa explained his decision with the amount of money he’s been offered. According to him, UFC needs to pay him more if they want him to headline fight nights.
UFC needs to pay me as main fighter to have fighting in main events.
Youtubers are showing all disgrace on this business.— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) June 5, 2021
Paulo Costa hasn’t fought since September 2020 when he got beat by Israel Adesanya.