despite considering it a lose-lose scenario.
Costa is currently in the midst of controversy
Ultimate Fighting Championship during his last fight under his current contract. The Brazilian has repeatedly called out advertising online while campaigning for the match. Former champion
Magomed Anchor Ship has now provided a solution.
Ankalaev is offering Costa’s final fight under his current UFC contract
Costa’s most recent gripe with the UFC involved being offered a five-round fight at short notice with no bonus. While Costa is willing to settle for a five-round fight, he wants to be compensated accordingly and have plenty of time to prepare for a 25-minute fight. Additionally, he has taken shots at UFC CEO Hunter Campbell and called for his release several times.
Ankalaev has suggested it will be the last fight of Costa’s current contract. The former light heavyweight champion believes Costa has nothing to lose as his stock will skyrocket with a win as he enters free agency. Ankalaev believes he doesn’t have much to gain from the matchup as he is likely to be the favourite, but is still open to a fight with Borrachinha.
“You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions,” Ankalaev wrote on X. “I beat you, everyone expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get out of jail free card. Let’s fight.”
Costa ends back-to-back, while Ankalaev returns to winning ways Bogdan Guskov after the title loss in a rematch Alex Pereira.
You beat me, you become a free agent and make millions. I beat you, everyone expected me to beat you anyway. You have nothing to lose. I’m your get out of jail free card. Let’s fight.
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM)
21 September 2026