The UFC is putting together what seems like an unofficial middleweight tournament on Nov. 3; however, one of the fights appears to have been prematurely announced.
On Tuesday, the promotion officially announced that title contender Yoel Romero would be fighting rising Brazilian star Paulo Costa at UFC 230, which will take place at Madison Square Garden.
According to multiple sources close to Romero, though, he hasn't agreed to that fight or any fight at this time. Romero had surgery on his broken orbital bone less than a month ago and, according to sources, he isn't in a rush to accept his next fight until he fully heals.
The 41-year-old Romero is coming off a hard-fought split decision loss to Robert Whittaker last month at UFC 225. Prior to the fight, Romero missed weight for the second straight time, even prompting talk of him potentially moving up to light heavyweight. All those plans have been put on hold until he recovers.
Sources say Costa verbally agreed to the fight recently, but neither Romero nor his team have said yes to it, let alone signed a bout agreement.
Costa (12-0) has won his first four UFC fights via either first- or second-round TKO. He most recently defeated Uriah Hall earlier this month at UFC 226.
In recent days, the promotion has added important middleweight fights -- Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. David Branch, and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold -- to the card. It remains to be seen if Romero vs. Costa will eventually make its way to Broadway, as well.
