Paulo Costa had some choice words for Sean Strickland after he changed his tune on a potential matchup.
Strickland (25-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) called out Costa this past November but wound up getting matched up in a headliner against Jack Hermansson in February at UFC Fight Night 200. Strickland won the fight and is currently ranked No. 4 alongside Costa in the official UFC middleweight rankings.
Costa (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), who’s coming off a unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori in October, finally responded to Strickland’s callout and wants to throw down.
Let’s do it rat.
Veremos se é valentão mesmo. pic.twitter.com/gJicIDsfUt— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) March 17, 2022
“Let’s do it rat.
“
However, after beating Hermansson, Strickland doesn’t appear as keen to do the matchup anymore. He took aim at Costa, who requested his past fight with Vettori be contested at a catchweight after he had issues making the middleweight mark. The fight ended up being at 205 pounds.
I asked for Costa and the UFC didn’t seem so confident in his future.. Also i dont think they liked me punching down to get a title shot lol.. but worst case for you Costa there is always bellator.. Maybe 205? Idk… https://t.co/1Hz83MUyWB
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 18, 2022
“I asked for Costa and the UFC didn’t seem so confident in his future.. Also i dont think they liked me punching down to get a title shot lol.. but worst case for you Costa there is always bellator.. Maybe 205? Idk…”
Costa was unhappy with Strickland’s response, accusing him of ducking the fight.
I knew you were a fuc*king pus*y but this show of insecurity surprised even me. just another fake macho https://t.co/iYcIdTGui0
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) March 18, 2022
“I knew you were a f*cking pus*y but this show of insecurity surprised even me. just another fake macho.”
Despite wanting to go back to his original weight class, UFC president Dana White suggested Costa make light heavyweight his permanent home. According to Strickland, the UFC wasn’t onboard with the matchup anyway, but if they cross paths, it’s on sight.
@BorrachinhaMMA heres the thing man. The UFC said no. I asked multiple times….. But after your forced to move to light heavyweight I’ll catch you in Vegas and if you wanna run your mouth I’ll give it to you for free…
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 18, 2022
“@BorrachinhaMMA heres the thing man. The UFC said no. I asked multiple times….. But after your forced to move to light heavyweight I’ll catch you in Vegas and if you wanna run your mouth I’ll give it to you for free…”