Paulo Costa wants Robert Whittaker for final fight on UFC deal: 'I hope he doesn't change divisions before then'

Paulo Costa wants another former UFC middleweight champion on his resume.

Costa (14-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who’s coming off a bloody win over ex-champ Luke Rockhold at UFC 278, has one fight left on his contract.

The Brazilian wants to close out his deal by facing Robert Whittaker (24-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC), who put on a clinical performance against Marvin Vettori this past Saturday at Accor Arena in Paris.

“As you guys knows I have only 1 fight left in the UFC, so idlk to finish that fighting one of the best guys, Robert Whittaker. What’s you guys think about it? Let’s f*ck go!??”

Costa suffered a broken hand, which required surgery, in his win over Rockhold, delaying his return to the octagon. With Whittaker mentioning the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight prior to beating Vettori, Costa hopes “The Reaper” sticks around at 185 pounds.

when I fight whittaker it won't be by decision, I'll go for the knockout. I hope he doesn't change divisions before then.

— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 4, 2022

“When I fight Whittaker it won’t be by decision, I’ll go for the knockout. I hope he doesn’t change divisions before then.”

Despite Costa electing to fight out his UFC deal, Dana White said he’d be interested in re-signing the former title challenger, who was able to snap a two-fight losing skid with his win over Rockhold.

“Borrachinha” isn’t only picking a fight with Whittaker. Costa was involved in an altercation with Saturday’s UFC 279 headliner, Khamzat Chimaev, and also expressed interest in fighting him if he can get past Nate Diaz.