Paulo Costa is openly unhappy with how post-fight bonuses were handed out at UFC 327 in Miami, after leaving the event without a bonus despite a TKO win.
Costa stopped Azamat Murzakanov by TKO at the event, while Josh Hokit went the distance in a win over Curtis Blaydes. Hokit left Miami with both Performance and Fight of the Night bonuses, totaling $200,000, while Costa received nothing.
"I was pissed off at them (UFC) because of the bonus," Costa said while discussing the situation.
He made it clear he felt overlooked compared to Hokit. "I really think I deserved that bonus. It's $100K. I don't think Hokit deserved two bonuses. When I feel injustice and unfair, this triggers inside me the worst feelings in my mind and my heart. I become crazy, I want to smash. I texted them about that. I hope and trust that Dana and Hunter are going to take care of me."
Costa added that he believes the promotion will reconsider. "They're going to rethink that. I think they made a mistake not giving me the bonus, but I am confident they are fair and they're going to fix this in a good way, and we're going to be good. I performed amazingly, man. Dana told me. I saw him on the walk back, and he said, 'You beat a 16-0 Russian, he was very confident, you did amazing, incredible.' So, he liked the performance. He knows that. Trump loved my fight."
Costa discussed the bonus issue on The Ariel Helwani Show.
