LAS VEGAS — A three-day saga surrounding Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event between Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori is finally over, as both fighters made weight for a five-round light heavyweight matchup.
This fight was originally scheduled to take place at middleweight, the division in which Costa and Vettori are both highly ranked. On Wednesday, however, Costa said he weighed 211 pounds and would not be cutting to the 186-pound weight limit.
That set off a chain of events that included an initial gentleman’s agreement to fight at 195 pounds — and then an official change to the 205-pound light heavyweight limit. Costa, who weighed in at 204.5 pounds, also forfeited 20% of his purse. Vettori weighed in at 204 pounds.
Vettori (17-4-1), of Italy, repeatedly said he didn’t care what weight the fight took place at, but he resented Costa’s lack of professionalism. Costa did not express any remorse or even provide a reason why he came into the week so heavy.
“Tomorrow night, guys,” said Costa, as he exited Friday’s official weigh-in.
Costa (13-1) and Vettori are both coming off a championship loss to Israel Adesanya. Costa lost to the current champion via TKO in September 2020. Vettori came up short in a unanimous decision in June.