Paulo Costa Declined Navajo Stirling Fight
The veteran middleweight reportedly turned down an opponent as he eyes the end of his current UFC contract.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Paulo Costa has turned down a fight against undefeated contender Navajo Stirling. The decision comes as the 35-year-old fighter nears the conclusion of his existing UFC agreement.
Why it matters
Costa is reportedly seeking an interim title opportunity, which the UFC has declined to book for him. He intends to test his value in free agency once he completes the final fight remaining on his current contract.
Paulo Costa is 35 years old and most recently secured a third-round knockout victory against Azamat Murzakanov in April 2026. The UFC did not implement an interim light heavyweight title, leaving the 205lb weight class status unchanged.
The players
Paulo Costa
He is a 35-year-old mixed martial artist who has one fight remaining on his current UFC contract.
Navajo Stirling
He is an undefeated fighter currently scheduled to headline the upcoming UFC Doha event.
Israel Adesanya
He is a professional fighter who previously competed against Paulo Costa in 2020.
Jiri Prochazka
He is an athlete scheduled to face Navajo Stirling at UFC Doha.
UFC
This is the premier mixed martial arts promotion that manages fighter contracts and event scheduling.
The details
Israel Adesanya revealed on a podcast that Costa rejected the matchup against Stirling, who is now slated to headline UFC Doha. Costa has struggled for consistency, losing three of his five fights since his 2020 encounter with Adesanya.
Timeline
2020: Paulo Costa fought Israel Adesanya.
April 2026: Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov.
November 21, 2026: Navajo Stirling fights Jiri Prochazka at UFC Doha.
Season Trajectory
Costa's decision to decline the bout highlights his desire to secure more significant opportunities before testing free agency. This move avoids a potentially high-risk matchup and preserves his position as he looks to complete his current contractual obligations.
Navajo Stirling will proceed with his headlining role against Jiri Prochazka at UFC Doha on November 21. This ensures the card remains intact despite Costa's decision to pass on the proposed matchup.
The takeaway
Fighters nearing the end of their contracts often exercise strategic control over their bookings to ensure optimal career positioning. Managing these final bouts is critical for athletes preparing to enter the free agency market.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the promotion, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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