Sean Strickland is focused on making Paulo Costa bleed in middleweight contender showdown in the UFC 302 co-main event
Earlier this year, Strickland was dethroned from his middleweight title due to a split-decision loss against Dricus du Plessis. The American fan favorite attempted to secure an immediate rematch before the UFC matched him against number seven-ranked Costa.
Number one-ranked Strickland is filming a fight camp video series for YouTube ahead of UFC 302, which takes place on June 1 inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. During episode one, the former middleweight king had this to say about his upcoming opponent:
“I like [Paulo] Costa. He’s a funny guy, he makes me laugh, he’s pro-free speech. I like that guy, but I’m gonna make that dirty Brazilian bleed. I’m gonna do it for Brazil because Brazil doesn’t even like Costa. So, hey, Brazil, this one is for you guys. Let’s get it done.”
Watch Strickland’s comments in episode one of his YouTube series below:
Paulo Costa claims he “will be a machine hitter” against Sean Strickland
Paulo Costa ended a year-and-a-half layoff when he fought Robert Whittaker at UFC 298. Although he lost by unanimous decision, the Brazilian middleweight contender went toe-to-toe with a highly-respected former champion. He now has an opportunity to take out Sean Strickland and re-establish himself in the 185-pound title picture.
Costa recently reflected on his loss against Whittaker and sent a warning to Strickland by saying this on Twitter:
“I just rewatched my fight w Whittaker , I needed to add a little more rhythm and strokes. Maybe that’s why the judges gave it 2×1 in the rounds in his favor. scores. I prioritized the damage factor, leaving him bleeding and bloody in every round even with fewer hits. I’m going to force myself to hit more from now on and keep hurting . Mark my works, I will be a machine hitter in the nexts”
Dricus du Plessis will likely defend his middleweight throne for the first time against Israel Adesanya later this year. Therefore, the winner between Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland could be one win away from a title shot, depending on what the UFC decides to do with Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier.
I just rewatched my fight w Whittaker , I needed to add a little more rhythm and strokes. Maybe that's why the judges gave it 2×1 in the rounds in his favor. scores. I prioritized the damage factor, leaving him bleeding and bloody in every round even with fewer hits. I'm going to…
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 17, 2024
