Chael Sonnen has offered advice for Paulo Costa’s last fight on his UFC contract.
‘The Eraser’ has a tough decision before entering the Octagon again. He only has one fight left on his UFC contract and needs to make a statement to gain leverage. Costa was rumored to be fighting Robert Whittaker at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. Unfortunately, the Brazillian declined the fight, claiming he wanted better pay before finishing his contract.
Paulo Costa tells @arielhelwani his side of the story on UFC 284 and the Whittaker fight 👀@BorrachinhaMMA via @MMAFighting#TheMMAHour #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/1Zc8bxDKL6
— Fight 4 Yours (@fight_4_yours) December 22, 2022
Costa has two options. He can continue declining fights until his UFC contract ends or accept a fight against another opponent. During a video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen had this to say:
“You have to be able to answer yes to the following question. Which is, is that opponent, that unnamed opponent, an easier fight than Robert Whittaker [for Paulo Costa]? The answer has to be yes, or it’s not great advice to tell Paulo to take him. Don’t forget he turned down Robert Whittaker…”
Sonnen was referring to Daniel Cormier suggesting Costa fight Khamzat Chimaev instead of Whittaker. It’s unclear when ‘The Eraser’ plans to fight again, but his massive social media following has created more anticipation than ever.
Chael Sonnen thinks Daniel Cormier might see Khamzat Chimaev as an easier opponent for Paulo Costa compared to Robert Whittaker
Chael Sonnen is trying to better understand what Daniel Cormier wants for Paulo Costa. Sonnen believes Costa needs an easier opponent than Robert Whittaker to validate the Brazilian not fighting at UFC 284. During the same YouTube video, he had this to say:
“It would only make sense that whoever you do agree to is an easier fight than Whittaker. I’m not sure when Daniel [Cormier] suggested Chimaev, that Daniel meant it in that way, but it’s possible he did. Possibly, Daniel just stated that his opinion is that Chimaev is not as tough as Robert Whittaker.”
Costa holds a 6-2 UFC record, with an impressive win against Luke Rockhold last time out. ‘The Eraser’ has done a phenomenal job marketing himself, which could pay dividends in future contract negotiations. With that said, the Brazilian has been vocal about the UFC not willing to give him a significant increase in pay unless he signs a five or six-fight deal, which he’s not interested in at the moment.
Paulo Costa had Top 5 fights vs Yoel, Vettori, and then potentially Whittaker for 70/70
Paulo made 35K for Vettori (because of the substantial weight miss)
Paulo is holding out for more. Should there be a set limit for top 5 fights, top 10 fights, etc.?pic.twitter.com/2wqEWMxSjK
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 21, 2022
