UFC middleweight Paulo Costa looks to return to the win column after coming up short at UFC 298.
Brazilian Paulo Costa (14-3-0) appears to have verbally agreed to fight former Middleweight champion Sean Strickland. The two have been exchanging blows over social media this week after rumours started circulating that Strickland turned down the fight.
Paulo Costa Agrees to Fight Former UFC Champion Sean Strickland
Costa revealed the UFC had offered him a fight with the former champion this week for UFC 302 on June 1st in Newark.
He told The Coach and the Casual Podcast: “Two days ago UFC come and say, ‘Paulo, you fight Strickland on June 1.’ It’s a great fight, it’s a fun fight. You know, even [more fun] than Cannonier”.
Though previously lined up to fight Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier Paulo accepted the new opponent. Excited by the change of opposition Costa “loved” the idea of fighting Sean, but the fight didn’t come to fruition immediately.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know what happened. Strickland said no. Strickland, he refused to fight me, unfortunately. That’s what the UFC told me, you know. I just have this information from UFC. I think this fight, would be great.
The anytime anywhere American refusing to fight came as a surprise to many. Sean Strickland was quick to let his side of the story be known.
Sean Strickland Fires Back
Sean Strickland (28-6-0) took to X imminently to shoot down circulating rumours that he was avoiding the fight. Saying “I didn’t say no… I said how much?”. A much more realistic explanation of the situation given Stricklands’ fearless reputation.
It would seem the UFC has answered Sean Stricklands’ request and the fight has been booked. A follow-up post on X read:
“Well had a meeting with the UFC and told them that I don’t want to be rich. I want to be able to support a family after my career is done They actually were pretty supportive, and made it happen. Thank you fans! Alright [Costa] you got your wish… Let’s do some bleeding”.
Fight Made
It didn’t take long for “Borrachinha” to take to X to respond to the post from Strickland. In a post stating “Let’s go COWBOY” with a photo attached of the two of them side-by-side dressed as cowboys. This is a fight that would undeniably garner lots of attention due to their respective fighting styles. Both are notorious for never taking a step backwards and leaving it all out there. With the two of them keen to return to the win column and Strickland losing his title in his last fight Costa Vs Strickland may well be a title eliminator.
Though we’re without an official confirmation from the UFC it would appear this incredible fight has made itself with both parties ready to battle.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
