UFC 326 Lineup Suffers Significant Blow as Paulo Costa Withdraws from Bout
The UFC 326 event, scheduled for March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been dealt a significant blow. The card, which is set to be headlined by reigning BMF champion Max Holloway defending his title in a rematch against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, has lost one of its key matchups. According to a recent report from MMA journalist Leo Guimaraes, Paulo Costa has withdrawn from his scheduled middleweight bout against Brunno Ferreira, with no reason disclosed at this time.
Costa was last seen competing at UFC 318 in July, where he earned a much-needed unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov. The win allowed “The Eraser” to snap a two-fight skid that included losses to former middleweight champions Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker in 2024. The 34-year-old Brazilian has posted a 2–4 record across his last six appearances inside the Octagon.
Impact on the UFC 326 Card
Meanwhile, Ferreira, who now needs a new opponent for UFC 326, is fresh off an impressive unanimous decision win over former title challenger Marvin Vettori at UFC 323 earlier this month. “The Hulk” is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, with his last defeat dating back to UFC 308 in October 2024, where he suffered a third-round submission loss to Abus Magomedov. The UFC had initially announced five bouts for the event, but the lineup now appears to be down one fight.
UFC 326 is also set to feature another rematch, with former title challengers Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega meeting in a 155-pound clash. Elsewhere on the card, Caio Borralho is scheduled to face Reinier de Ridder in a key middleweight matchup. The event is expected to be a highly anticipated one, with several exciting matchups and storylines. However, the withdrawal of Costa from his bout against Ferreira has certainly dealt a blow to the card.
What’s Next for Paulo Costa and Brunno Ferreira?
As for Costa, his withdrawal from the bout against Ferreira raises questions about his future in the UFC. The 34-year-old Brazilian has been a staple in the middleweight division, but his recent performances have been inconsistent. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Costa, but for now, his focus will likely be on recovering and regrouping.
Ferreira, on the other hand, will be looking to find a new opponent for UFC 326. The Brazilian is on a hot streak, having won three consecutive fights, and will be eager to keep his momentum going. The UFC will likely be working to find a suitable replacement for Costa, and Ferreira will be hoping to face a tough opponent to test his skills.
