Paulo Costa has once again asked for his UFC release.

Costa has been trying to get a fight and has pleaded with the UFC to book him; however, he’s still without a fight booked. So, amid his frustration, he said he asked the UFC for his release, which the promotion shot down.

“We already asked to be released but they refused,” Costa said on The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday. “They said, ‘No, we’re not going to release you. You need to do one more at least.’ Actually, I’ve been asking for this a couple of times. The most recent was like days ago. … It’s not about relationships. We are professionals. Just go, show up, fight, that’s it. I’m very professional, they are professional as well. It’s not about relationship. I’m an honest guy.

“I just say what I think. I don’t like to fake anything. It’s not about a fight against them. They’re doing their business and I do mine. I’m looking for big fights. I’m looking for big names. I think the fans want to see a great fight, a big fight. I’m in this position right now to make the big fights, and I want to bring these exciting fights to the fans. That’s my goal right now.”

Costa said he asked for his release in January, before he ended up fighting Azamat Murzakanov.

Paulo Costa hoping to fight for the interim belt

With Costa unbooked, he said his goal is to fight for the interim light heavyweight title with Carlos Ulberg out for the foreseeable future. However, Costa claims the UFC doesn’t want to do an in interim belt.

“I asked to fight in Salt Lake City, I asked to fight everywhere. California, UFC Noche, but for some reason, UFC doesn’t want to put the interim light heavyweight belt on the line. I think this is a disaster.”

So, for now, Costa is waiting for his next fight. Although he was offered someone, he said a five-round fight on his current pay makes no sense unless it’s for the belt.

“They sent an offer to fight for five rounds, not for an interim belt, and something that doesn’t make sense to me. They didn’t mention the name,” Costa added.

Paulo Costa is 16-4 as a pro and coming off back-to-back wins over Azamat Murzakanov and Roman Kopylov.

Who would you like to see Paulo Costa fight next?

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