Paulo Costa is down to one fight on his current UFC contract following his knockout victory at UFC 327, and he says a title shot at either middleweight or light heavyweight is now a realistic possibility.

Costa Stops Previously Undefeated Murzakanov

Costa moved up to 205 pounds and handed the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov his first career loss with a third-round stoppage in Miami on April 4. The win extended his current streak to two consecutive victories and came against the number six-ranked light heavyweight in the division.

Speaking afterwards, Costa was direct about where things stand contractually and what he is hoping comes next.

“I have one fight left on this contract. Let’s see what’s next. I think we’re in a good position to fight for the belt, maybe,” Costa said.

Contract Negotiations Underway

The UFC has already opened conversations about extending his deal, but Costa indicated he wants to see how the final fight plays out before committing.

“The UFC already wanted to renew the contract. We’re seeing if we do one more and then sit down to negotiate.”

He was careful to frame the situation as gratitude rather than leverage. “I’m very grateful to the UFC. But it’s my life, right?”

Cordeiro: Costa Would Knock Out Prochazka

Two-time “Coach of the Year” honoree Rafael Cordeiro was impressed by Costa’s performance at UFC 327. According to the Kings MMA founder, Costa should stay in the light heavyweight division following his stoppage of Murzakanov.

“‘Borrachinha’ is a guy that, love him or hate him, you will like to see his fights,” Cordeiro told Sherdog.com. “And give me three names of the division that sell fights like him.”

Based on his performance last Saturday, where he knocked out Murzakanov with a head kick in the third round, Cordeiro believes that Costa would also beat Jiri Prochazka if he was fighting for an interim title. Prochazka suffered a first-round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg in the clash for the vacant light heavyweight strap at UFC 327. However, Ulberg could be sidelined for quite some time after suffering an apparent knee injury in the bout.

“I see him [being competitive] with any of those Top 5 of the division,” Cordeiro said. “To tell you the truth, considering that Ulberg will be out for a long time due to his knee, if UFC makes an interim title between ‘Borrachinha’ and Jiri, I believe Costa would knock him out.”

Cordeiro Criticizes Prochazka’s “Mercy” Claim

The Brazilian coach also criticized Prochazka’s attitude against Ulberg. Prochazka claimed he showed mercy to Ulberg after the City Kickboxing star was injured early in their fight.

“I’ll never forget what Master Rudimar always told us,” Cordeiro said. “If you are facing a weaker opponent, finish him as fast as possible so the people don’t see his level. And it fits perfectly in this case when the opponent had a physical problem.”

Title Picture at Two Weight Classes

The championship picture at both weight classes offers Costa potential routes. At light heavyweight, Carlos Ulberg claimed the title at UFC 327 by knocking out Jiri Prochazka, though Ulberg’s status is uncertain after appearing to suffer a significant knee injury during the fight.

At middleweight, Costa has a well-established rivalry with current champion Khamzat Chimaev, who defends his belt against Sean Strickland on May 16. Chimaev has also expressed interest in eventually moving up to light heavyweight, which could open further possibilities depending on how the division reshapes itself over the coming months.

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