Paulo Costa confronted UFC CEO Dana White after ‘injustice’ UFC 327 bonus snub

UFC 327 star Paulo Costa says he went ballistic after missing out on a $100k post-fight bonus following his KO over Azamat Murzakanov.

Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa was one of the biggest stars at UFC 327 last weekend in Miami. The former middleweight standout made the full-time transition to light heavyweight earlier this year, and his first full-time appearance at 205 lbs couldn’t have gone much better.

Costa knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov in the UFC 327 co-main event to assert himself as a dangerous contender in the division. After bashing Murzakanov badly over the first two rounds, Costa knocked out Murzakanov with a head kick in Round 3.

Despite Costa’s highlight-reel finish, he walked away with only a $25k ‘finish bonus’ for his efforts. In contrast, heavyweight contender Josh Hokit walked away with $100k and two bonuses for his win over Curtis Blaydes.

Costa and Hokit have traded barbs on social media in recent days over the UFC 327 bonuses. It turns out, Costa’s frustration about the situation boiled over in a post-fight conversation with UFC CEO Dana White and CBO Hunter Campbell.

Paulo Costa texted Dana White, Hunter Campbell after $100k bonus snub at UFC 327

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Costa revealed he lost his temper after not receiving a $100k bonus for his knockout at UFC 327.

“I was p***** off about the bonus, I really think I deserved the bonus. That bonus is;$100k, I don’t think [Josh Hokit] deserved two bonuses. I feel like this is an injustice, unfair,” Costa said.

“It triggers the worst feelings, in my mind and my heart. I went crazy and I wanted to smash [things]. I texted them about it, I hope and trust that Dana and Hunter are going to take care of me. They’re going to rethink it, because I think they made a mistake.

“I performed amazingly,” Costa continued. “I saw [Dana] on the walk back, and he said ‘You did amazing, incredible!’. He knows that. And Trump loved my fight too.”

As of this writing, neither White nor Campbell has publicly responded to Costa’s remarks. During his UFC career, Costa has earned four post-fight bonuses, including two ‘Fights of the Night’ vs. Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold.

Who should Paulo Costa fight next after UFC 327? Let us know in the comments!