Paulo Costa (photo via Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Following comments from Yoel Romero, who said he had heard a failed drug test could be why Paulo Costa isn’t eligible to fight him, the latter’s manager has denied that’s the case.

Romero was expected to fight Costa on April 27th, but recently it was reported “Jacare” Souza would instead. No reason for the change has been disclosed, and Romero reportedly told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani he had heard Costa failed a drug test (but couldn’t confirm that was the case).

But, since then, Costa’s manager Wallid Ismail has told MMA Junkie that the fighter has not failed a drug test. Costa also reportedly told Tatame that he has not tested positive for banned substances.

Costa (12-0) has not fought since last July when he stopped Uriah Hall.