Costa Requests UFC Release, Gets Shut Down

Paulo Costa has requested a UFC release multiple times but the promotion has denied each request, insisting he fulfill the final fight remaining on his contract. Costa, who most recently scored a knockout victory against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, 2026, expressed his disappointment with the situation while describing himself as 'very professional.' The story was reported by Adam Guillen for MMA Mania on September 10, 2026.