Dana White Says Paulo Costa Will No Longer Fight in the UFC Middleweight Division

Paulo Costa might have to stay at 205 pounds in the future.

Costa’s pre-fight weight cut antics made the headlines leading up to the fight. The Brazilian showed up for his main event fight against Marvin Vettori, 25 pounds above the middleweight weight limit. He announced during the media day that he weighed 211 pounds, and won’t be able to make weight. After his announcement, the bout was shifted to 195-pound catchweight but later was bumped up to a light heavyweight fight.

Vettori prevailed as the victor in a brutal five-round fight. Both men gave their everything inside the octagon, and Vettori won the fight via a unanimous decision. Despite a brilliant performance in the fight, Costa might have to shift his weight class after what transpired during the fight week.

UFC President Dana White, in the press conference after the event, was asked what the future holds for Costa. Dana said, “He’s gonna have to fight at 205.”

“He’s a light heavyweight,” Dana White said. “He was in shape. It’s not like the guy showed up out of shape, or the guy has lost his mind and wasn’t training for this fight and just showed up and was overweight. He obviously trained. He can’t make ’85. It just goes to show you he cannot make 185 pounds.”

According to White, Costa weighed 220 pounds during the fight night and Vettori weighed in at 208 pounds.

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Paulo Costa thinks it’s better for him to come back to 185

Paulo Costa in the post-fight presser let his thoughts known about White’s comments. He said that he could fight at 205 but wants to win a title at 185 and then might think about it.

Costa said, “I could fight 205, but I could fight 185 as well, so I think it’s better to me, come back to my weight, to 185, look for the belt, and after that move. I can fight 205 anytime, but if I can make 185, why not?”

Paulo Costa looked good at 205 pounds and it will be interesting to see how the UFC and Costa negotiate his future in the promotion. Dana White, when asked about Costa’s comments on staying at 185 and wanting to prove it is his division, said, “Yeah. This is going to be fun. I promise you it’s not (his division).”

Do you think he should move up a weight class? Let us know in the comments!

WATCH THIS STORY – Event Recap: Best Fights From UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori