After victory by technical knockout at UFC 301, Alessandro Costa calls out ranked opponent: ‘I proved I’m at that level’

Alessandro Costa feels like he’s among the best flyweights in the world and thinks it’s time to prove it to the UFC.

After stopping Kevin Borjas from earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus at the UFC 301, Costa (14-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) would like to take a step forward in the competition. After all, he saw his former rival Steve Erceg, who Costa lost to in December in a close fight that he gave 10 days’ notice, give a tough match to champion Alexandre Pantoja that same night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Costa is confident he is one of the best in the world and would like to prove it, preferably in August or late summer.

“I think in August I can be ready and I think a top 15 would be good for me,” Costa told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I think I’ve proven that I’m at that level. When I have a full camp, and I think I showed this last Saturday, I’m different.

“I’m a very different fighter, with a full camp and I think I have the level to compete with the guys in the rankings. I think I deserve this opportunity. It’s also a chance for me to win and get into the rankings.”

Although Costa is 2-2 since joining the UFC in December 2022, that record can be deceiving. His two defeats came at the last minute against Erceg, who was just for the title, and Amir Albazi, who is considered by many to be the number 1 contender today. Both of Costa’s wins were finals and earned Performance of the Night bonuses.

Costa doesn’t see the UFC flyweight title too far in the future. He hopes that this year he will have the opportunity to prove that he is a legitimate threat for the division belt.

“I know there’s a queue, but I honestly don’t think it’s very far away,” said Costa when asked about the title fight. “I don’t see what happened with Steve too far away, it was his fourth fight and he already fought for the title. Plus, just seeing how he did and knowing how I did against him, I don’t think I’m too far off. That’s all I have in mind (the belt). That’s why I say that my steps in 2024 will be very important.”

This story originally appeared on MMA Junkie