Ankalaev Open to Facing Paulo Costa at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi
Light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev said he would fight Paulo Costa in October if the UFC schedules the bout for UFC 333, while both fighters look to stay active amid an injured champion.
Magomed Ankalaev told reporters that he is ready to fight Paulo Costa at the upcoming UFC 333 event in Abu Dhabi, provided the promotion makes the matchup possible. He said the fight would keep him active while the light-heavyweight champion remains sidelined.
"I would happily be the one to fight here in Abu Dhabi in October," Ankalaev said through a translator. "If Paulo Costa wants to stand and bang, we can definitely bang it out here."
Costa, who moved up from middleweight and knocked out Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, has indicated his aim is to capture the 205-pound title. Ankalaev, who defeated Bogdan Guskov in a five-round bout at UFC Abu Dhabi, added that a fight with Costa would provide an exciting contest for fans.
The UFC confirmed that it will return to Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24 for UFC 333, a date that could accommodate the proposed clash. Ankalaev also mentioned his interest in a potential trilogy fight with Alex Pereira, noting that the two have split their previous encounters 1-1.
If the Ankalaev-Costa fight is booked, the Russian fighter said he will focus on the matchup to remain in contention for a future title shot, whether against the injured champion Carlos Ulberg or another opponent for a vacant belt.