Paulo Costa releases his first statement following his loss at UFC 298 against Robert Whittaker.
In the co main event this past Saturday, at UFC 298, we saw the return of Paulo Costa. The owner of Secret Juice’s last fight inside the cage was in August 2022. He faced the former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, where we saw him win a comfortable unanimous decision. However, it was not as easy as it seems. Previously, Paulo Costa had five canceled bouts and controversy in his fight against Marvin Vettori. In two of his three scheduled fights, he pulled out due to contract disputes and never actually signed the contract. In his last scheduled bout, he was supposed to face the rising Khamazt Chimaev. That time, the doctors pulled him out 13 days before the fight due to a nasty staff infection on his elbow.
Finally, at UFC 298, everything looked right for Paulo Costa. He was in the co main event in what some would say in a title eliminator for the middleweight division. He faced another former middleweight champion, Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker. The fight did not disappoint. Round one was really competitive. In the dying seconds of the round, Costa threw a starching spinning heal kick to the face of Witthaker and hurt him badly, even wobbling his opponent. Arguments can be made if more time was left in the round, Costa would have been able to get the finish. Unfortunately for him, Whittaker recovered in between rounds and won the final two rounds in what became an instant classic fight.
Paulo Costa Issues Statement Following UFC 298
Following the fight, Paulo Costa posted on X thanking the support he received.
Robert Whittaker def. Costa Over Three Rounds
“Hey mtfks you’re amazing thank you all for support . During the fight I felt like I was winning pressuring him back and hurt his face but judge thought different. Anyway I’m back no injuries and next I gonna pressure even more until finish. Lov u all“
Although Costa didn’t walk away with the victory, this fight didn’t make him lose any stock. “The Eraser” showed he can hang with the top of the division. He looked in phenomenal shape and the weight cut seemed perfect. Many fans hope that this is the Paulo Costa we see from now on and returns to fighting soon.
After a fight list he has ad UFC 298, the question is always who’s next for Costa. Luckily for him, a lot of movement in the middleweight division. At the beginning of the month, Dolidze lost to Imanov which could be a good matchup to fight either man. However, that would make Costa fight down the rankings. Another middleweight showdown for the top five of the division is happening on April 6 between Marvin Vettori and Brendan Allen. He could potentially face the winner and avenge his loss against Vettori.
Whatever happens next, everyone will look forward to seeing this version of Paulo Costa fitting again soon.
Quote taken from Paulo Costa X account.
How did you score his fight at UFC 298? Who would you like to see Costa face next? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
