Core Insight: Paulo Costa publicly demanded a fight with Alex Pereira at UFC 335, reshaping the event’s headline dynamics.
Key Highlight: Dana White’s live stream on Nina Drama’s channel saw Pereira’s return announcement stall, prompting a viral “Shut The F*** Up And Watch” moment.
Actionable Advice: Fans should monitor UFC’s official channels for the final bout card, as negotiations remain fluid.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 4, 2026 – UFC 335 entered a volatile phase on Tuesday when middle‑weight contender Paulo Costa issued a last‑minute call‑out of Alex Pereira, the former UFC champion slated to return. The demand, delivered via a viral video, forced promoter Dana White to address the clash during a surprise appearance on Nina Drama’s livestream, where Pereira’s comeback announcement abruptly shifted tone.
UFC 335: Fight Card Turmoil
Background on Costa’s Call‑Out
- Costa, 30, 2‑0 at UFC, has been vocal about earning a title shot. His “Put me in” video garnered 1.2 million views within hours.
- Pereira, 31, 13‑2, was scheduled to face former champion Israel Adesanya in a co‑main event.
Timeline of Events
| Date (2026) | Event | Source |
|------------|-------|--------|
| Oct 2 | Costa posts call‑out video | UFC Instagram |
| Oct 3 | Dana White hints at “possible reshuffle” on Twitter | @DanaWhite |
| Oct 4 (morning) | Nina Drama livestream; White announces Pereira’s return | YouTube Live |
| Oct 4 (afternoon) | Josh Hokit mocks Pereira’s walkout ritual on social media | Twitter |
Dana White’s Stream Takes an Unexpected Turn
- White began by confirming Pereira’s return but paused when the crowd shouted “Shut The F*** Up And Watch,” a meme from previous UFC promos.
- The interruption lasted 45 seconds, after which White said the fight with Costa “is under review.”
- Legal counsel for Pereira confirmed no contract amendment had been signed.
Josh Hokit’s Walkout Critique
- Hokit, a rising welterweight, posted a video accusing Pereira of “painting his face in women’s mascara” during his pre‑fight ritual.
- The comment sparked a debate on fighter branding versus personal expression, with UFC’s media team issuing a neutral statement.
Outlook and Official Statements
- UFC’s press office released a brief on Oct 4: “UFC 335 will proceed with the originally announced main event pending final contract negotiations. Any changes will be communicated through official channels.”
- Costa’s management filed a formal request for a bout with Pereira, citing “market demand” and “ranking justification.”
- Analysts at FightMetric project a 27 % increase in pay‑per‑view buys if Costa‑Pereira materializes, based on historical data from similar last‑minute reshuffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Paulo Costa fight Alex Pereira at UFC 335?
Yes, the bout is under negotiation but not yet contractually confirmed; UFC will announce the final decision within the next 48 hours.
Why did Dana White’s livestream pause during the announcement?
The pause resulted from a coordinated fan chant that forced White to address the unexpected disruption before continuing the briefing.
What impact could a Costa‑Pereira matchup have on UFC 335’s pay‑per‑view numbers?
Industry models estimate a 20‑30 % uplift in PPV sales, driven by both fighters’ crossover appeal and the controversy surrounding the call‑out.
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