Report: Costa-Vettori to headline UFC Fight Night on Oct. 23
The UFC is working to finalize a middleweight main event between Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night on Oct. 23, sources told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
Officials are yet to announce a location for the event.
Costa hasn't stepped into the Octagon since losing a 185-pound title match to reigning champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 last September. The loss marked the first of his pro career. The Brazilian has since withdrawn from two bouts scheduled against Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier.
Vettori was also handed a loss in a rematch against Adesanya via unanimous decision at UFC 263. The defeat ended the Italian's five-fight winning streak.
Vettori challenged Costa following his PPV loss, saying "If he can make it to a fight, I'd definitely like to smack this guy."