Paulo Costa has pulled out of his UFC 284 bout against the former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Deemed to be one of the most anticipated fights on the card, Whittaker expressed his emotions in a video he posted earlier today on Twitter.
“It’s very upsetting to say they’re true,” Whittaker said.
“The fight with Costa has fallen apart. UFC tried everything in their power to get him to the fight. They gave him the new contract, from what I understand, to take the fight and he still didn’t take the fight. So yeah, the Perth fight is not happening.”
Whittaker revealed that the UFC has made plans for him to fight around March or April instead of February. No date or opponent has been announced.
“I’m sorry to all the friends, fans, and family that are heading over there to watch me do work – but it’s out of my hands,” Whittaker continued.
“I’m upset. I was prepared to train through Christmas, to train through New Years, to put in the work. I’m already so deep into my camp, everyone knows my camps are quite long.
“I wanted to take the family out, I want to go on holiday after the fight, buy the kids some new toys, earn some money, pay the rent – but all that’s put on the back burner for now and been pushed back.”
In an effort to make it up to all the fans that bought tickets to see him fight in Perth. The Aussie said he has plans to be at UFC 284 to do a meet-and-greet with the fans and to cheer on all the Aussies fighting on the card.
Status Update #UFC284 #UFCPerth @ufc @UFC_AUSNZ pic.twitter.com/dPl4q2S8nj
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) December 19, 2022
In a response to the news. Costa has claimed on social media that the fight against Whittaker was not official and the UFC lied about Costa having already signed the contract.
Guys sending me this, I feel sad for Robert because the UFC didn't tell him the truth lol, you don't deserve this. Bro, sorry I won't fight you in Perth UFC posting this (Robert vs Costa)just to sell tickets, you need to realize that.They didn't pay me, I'm out!I’m not joking 🙃 pic.twitter.com/J43Z3LVnyq
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) December 19, 2022
With one more fight on Costa’s contract, it seems to be that contract negotiations between the UFC are not heading in the right direction and that Costa will not sign anything until he has a significant increase in pay.
Great fights is going down due to lack of negotiation skills, they should stop being petty 👍🥤 pic.twitter.com/uAfFLnTOdN
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) December 19, 2022
After an impressive victory against Marvin Vettori at UFC Paris in September, another win for the Aussie would have solidified his No. 1 contender spot in the division and put himself in a possible title contention against Alex Periera or rematch against the former middleweight champ Israel Adensyna.
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