The main event for UFC Fight Night 196 between Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa has hit a bit of a roadblock.

During the media day in the lead-up to the fight, the #2 ranked middleweight Costa said that he weighs 211 pounds and won’t be able to cut enough weight. This announcement comes just three days before the fight. The bout is supposed to take place at 185 pounds, and with not enough time left, UFC needs to decide quickly.

The founder of Dominance MMA and Vettori’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, talked about the situation. He said that his client is ready to go but and wants his opponent to show up as well.

“We’ve never been a team to kill main events,” Abdelaziz said. “I haven’t talked to Paulo’s team. But Marvin will fight him at heavyweight. He’ll fight Francis Ngannou on Saturday if that’s who shows up.” 

Abdelaziz added, “But first it was 195 pounds. Then it goes to 198. I don’t know what he’s going through, and I’m not going to judge him. We’re gonna fight. Marvin wants him to show up.” Abdelaziz says that Marvin is genuine about accepting the fight.

Costa hasn’t been in the octagon for almost 13 months. His last fight was against the UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, at UFC 253. He lost that fight via TKO in the second round.

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Recent developments ahead of the fight

‘Borrachinha‘ has been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism from the mixed martial arts community. Vettori, during the media day, called Costa unprofessional and said that he’ll be ready to fight him at any weight.

Since then, both men in an interview agreed to fight at 195 pounds, but UFC has made no official announcement regarding the weight. However, according to UFC officials, they will go ahead with the fight.

According to Brett Okamoto, “Per UFC officials, the plan is to move forward with Costa vs. Vettori at a catchweight. No specific weight to report just yet.”

The fight is huge for both of them for staying relevant in the title picture. Both the fighters are coming off a loss against the champion, Adesanya, and would love to go out and put up an impressive performance.

Vettori looked to be in shape and ready for the bout. He had been on the diet and cutting weight for a middleweight fight, so it will be interesting to see how it affects his game plan.

Recently a video was posted on Twitter of Marvin Vettori, showing him working out for the fight.

What do you make of the whole situation? Do you think Costa should be penalized for not making weight? Let us know your thoughts!

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