Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Paulo Costa turning down short-notice fight: “They need 10 years”

Magomed Ankalaev has given his reaction to Paulo Costa shutting down an offer to fight him on short notice.

When Khalil Rountree suffered an injury in preparation for a planned clash with Ankalaev, it put the July 25 bout in disarray. Rountree was officially removed from the fight and UFC matchmakers needed a replacement. “Borrachinha” had a chance to step up, but he told Ariel Helwani that the timing of such a matchup wouldn’t have allowed him to make the light heavyweight limit (via MMAJunkie).

“It’s so short notice, less than 14 days to get on a flight to Abu Dhabi,” Costa said. “Sixteen-hour flight to Abu Dhabi for five rounds, for the same money, and not for an interim belt. I don’t think this makes sense right now. I thought about it, but it doesn’t make sense. My weight is not bad. I’m 234 (pounds) right now. I should start a very strict diet because I need like seven or eight weeks to make weight properly. Different than when I fight middleweight, when I needed 12, maybe 14 weeks.”

Ankalaev caught wind of Costa’s comment, and he hopped on X to suggest that they eventually collide before the end of 2026.

“I agree with him—fight me,” Ankalaev responded. “They don’t need eight weeks; they need ten years. I’ll win my next fight, and then you and I can fight in October or November. It would be my pleasure”

The UFC brass ultimately did find a replacement opponent for Anaklaev. The former UFC light heavyweight titleholder will now be facing Bogdan Guskov inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Guskov went to a draw with Jan Blachowicz in his last outing back in late 2025.

Do you understand why Paulo Costa turned down the short-notice fight against Magomed Ankalaev, or did he miss out on a big opportunity? Share your opinion in the comments below.