Paulo Costa Becomes the Latest UFC Star to Join Dana White’s Rival Eddie Hearn
Paulo Costa makes a major move, joining Dana White’s rival Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency.
It seems Dana White’s rival, Eddie Hearn, is seriously getting into the MMA business for the long run. Undoubtedly, going from being a boxing promoter to suddenly getting into MMA, and that too as a manager, is a bit unusual. However, with White entering the boxing business, it seems Hearn has decided to step into MMA. Notably, he is growing his Matchroom Talent agency very rapidly, adding one big name after another. Starting with Tom Aspinall and Ian Garry, Paulo Costa is now another addition.
Paulo Costa Joins Eddie Hearn’s Growing MMA Talent Roster
Recently, Ariel Helwani asked if Costa and Hearn were going to work together, given the fact that the two had recently met. Replying to this, Costa confirmed that he has officially signed with Matchroom. As per him, Hearn will be his manager and will also handle his sponsorships.
“Yes man, that was a great, great meeting with Eddie Hearn. He is a great guy. I’m so excited. I think we’re gonna do great things together. Great things…The contract is for him to be my manager and handle my sponsorships. I have too much respect for what he’s doing. He’s a great guy,” Costa said.
Earlier, talking about it, White stated clearly that he is unbothered by Hearn entering MMA. As per him, he doesn’t see it as serious, as he has said that fighters are free to choose who they want to represent them. Earlier, there were even fighters managed by Tito Ortiz, with whom White doesn’t have a great relationship.
Paulo Costa Wants UFC Release to Become a Free Agent
Costa has revealed that he has asked the UFC to release him several times, including recently after the UFC 332 announcement. According to Costa, the UFC refused and told him to fight one more time. But Costa wants to fight big names and be part of big fights. He feels he is now in a good position to make those fights happen.
In his words, “We already asked to get released, but they refused. They said, ‘No, you need to do one more.’ They’re doing their business and I do mine. I’m looking for big fights. I’m looking for big names. I 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.”
For those who don’t know, Costa wanted to fight for the interim title at UFC 332 and felt it would have made the card far better. However, given that it has not happened, he is not happy about it.
