UFC light heavyweight star Paulo Costa is set to join Eddie Hearn's fast-growing UFC roster in the coming days, according to the fighter himself.
Boxing supremo Hearn launched his multi-sport management subsidiary earlier this year and has already added big name MMA stars Tom Aspinall and Ian Machado Garry.
Now, it appears as though hard-hitting Brazilian Costa is set to follow suit after opting to end his association with long-term manager Tiki Ghosn.
According to talkSPORT, Hearn and Costa first undertook discussions regarding a potential link-up in the United States in July with an announcement officially confirming the news imminent.
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show recently, Costa clarified the situation and spoke of his excitement at joining the Matchroom stable.
"It was a great meeting with Eddie Hearn. He is a great guy; I'm so excited to work with him," he said.
"I have so much respect for what he is doing; he is a great professional.
He has already sent us a contract. So I'm so excited. I think we are going to do great things together.
- Paulo Costa (The Ariel Helwani Show)
"He sent it to me a couple of days ago -- I just need to send [the contract] back in the mail."
Costa says he has no concerns over his new promoter's relationship with UFC supremo Dana White, saying he doesn't expect their disdain for one another to spill into his own MMA career.
"I don't pay much attention to this beef between them both," he added.
"If they have this bad blood between them, it is not about me; be professional, guys.
"I have seen that Ryan Garcia is boxing [Conor Benn], and Ryan Garcia is still represented by Oscar [De La Hoya], who has a beef with Dana.
"I think they are very professional, much more professional than we think."
