Brunson Shoots Down Garbled Callout From ‘Paulo Pasta’

Former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa is looking to make his Octagon return at some point in 2022 and has arbitrarily set his sights on fellow fourth-ranked contender Derek Brunson.

“Now it’s time to Derek Brunson runway or accept,” Costa wrote on Twitter. “Sean (Strickland) gave up. Brunson? I think Derek Brunson is avoiding this call, someone give me his number.”

After jumping out to a perfect 13-0 start to his MMA career, the wine-loving Costa suffered back-to-back losses to Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori, the latter of which may have booted the Brazilian from the 185-pound weight class.

“Focus on your own weight class,” Brunson fired back. “You’re a heavyweight. I tried to fight you multiple times. Your disappeared until I got a fight. I’m not fighting soon, I’m working on my craft. I’m waiting on your second heavyweight fight. Paulo Pasta.”

Brunson (23-8) was one fight away from rematching Israel Adesanya with the 185-pound title on the line, but top contender Jared Cannonier kept him from the promised land with a violent, second-round knockout at UFC 271 back in February.

The 38 year-old Brunson is expected to retire after his next fight.