'Crash and burn': UFC fans rip fighter for 'trash' pre-bout antics
The UFC world has let rip at fighter Paulo Costa after he admitted to rocking up to a press conference around 25 pounds (11kg) over the weight class ahead of his fight at middleweight in three days.
Costa is set to return to the octagon to face Martin Vettori with both men coming off losses to champion Israel Adesanya.
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However, in a move that rubbed many fans the wrong way, Costa appeared unremorseful as he admitted he was not going to make weight for the showdown.
But not only was he not going to make weight, he was close to 11kg over.
However, Costa then appeared to put the onus back on Vettori.
"The fight will happen. Just won't happen if he don't want to fight me," the Brazilian said.
"Maybe we can do a catchweight."
Costa went on to claim a fight at a heavier weight would be more 'explosive'.
However, Vettori slammed Costa as 'not professional' ahead of their bout.
Drama alert! Marvin Vettori says Paulo Costa is "a lot overweight" for Saturday's main event.
"Worst case I'll say it's still fine at 205."#UFCVegas41 | Full video: https://t.co/SCuH3qKetM pic.twitter.com/mRidiCMvhh— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) October 20, 2021
And while Vettori held Costa responsible for the blatant breach, he was happy to find a catchweight.
"He needs to suffer a little bit making weight, because all of us go through that," Vettori said.
"He is a lot overweight....Worst case, I'll say it's fine at 205."
The UFC has not confirmed what weight the pair will fight at, or whether some of Costa's purse will go to Vettori.
UFC world slams Paulo Costa
The UFC world let rip at Costa for his lack of effort to make weight only three days out from his comeback fight.
This guy @BorrachinhaMMA trying to find a way out but you found a real fighter.
Im about to see you.— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) October 20, 2021
The crash and burn of Paulo Costa continues... #UFCVegas41 pic.twitter.com/s0Eg0DyvHA
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) October 20, 2021
Even better, Paulo Costa doesn't sign a contract to compete at middleweight if he can't make the weight.
A weight cut begins before fight week. I spoke to Marvin last Friday and he was already in weight cutting mode. Telling him 3 days before the fight doesn't make it better. https://t.co/Dt8UsBSYyC— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 20, 2021
"I think this fight will happen. Just won't happen if he don't want to fight me."
Paulo Costa trying to put the onus on Marvin Vettori to fight while he sits up there 25 pounds overweight is something. Respectfully, take that trash elsewhere.https://t.co/PkFkD9Jp7q— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) October 20, 2021
Paulo Costa's professional fighting career is in complete freefall.
Hasn't earned a win in 26 months. Lost badly to the Champ. Repeatedly butts heads with UFC Mgmt., resulting in fizzled contracts, and now he's nonchalantly talking about catchweights 3 days before his fight.— Steven Kelliher (@Steven_Kelliher) October 20, 2021
🤦🏼♂️ Paulo Costa showing up to a press conference on Thursday of fight week saying he’s 25 pounds overweight 😳 If they fight at a catchweight, should the UFC punish Paulo for this unprofessional behaviour? 🤔
— Sanabul (@Sanabul) October 20, 2021
I just don’t understand why Paulo Costa is acting completely oblivious when asked why he’s not on pace to make weight. #UFCVegas41
— Joe Gravel (@JoeGravel20) October 21, 2021
Paulo Costa might be the most unlikable fighter in the ufc #UFCVegas41
— Kyle Miller (@NeverHedge) October 20, 2021
Costa came under scrutiny after his last loss to Adesanya when he blamed his loss on drinking the night before.
Adesanya continually mocked Costa after his excuse.
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