Paulo Costa says Sean Strickland turned down a fight with him, Strickland responds

UFC matchmakers have been working on lining up former title challenger Paulo Costa‘s next opponent.  They presented “Borrachinha” with two names: Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland.  

Costa liked both matchups but was eyeing Strickland more.  In a surprise move, Strickland turned down the fight according to Costa.  

““I love the idea of fighting Cannonier, and [the UFC] suggested I fight in June,” Costa on The Coach and the Casual podcast. “But then, the UFC came back and said, ‘Paulo, you fight Sean Strickland on June 1. It’s a great fight. It’s a fun fight, even more fun that Cannonier, I think.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know what happened – Strickland said no. Strickland refused to fight me. That’s what the UFC told me. I just have this information from the UFC. I think the fight would be great. I would love to fight him.”

Paulo Costa says that the UFC initially wanted him to fight Jared Cannonier in June, but recently they offered him to fight Sean Strickland on June 1st at #UFC302

He says Sean Strickland turned it down 😬

(via. @coachandcasual) #UFC #MMA

pic.twitter.com/RRmgXTrYct

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 8, 2024

Strickland responded to Costa’s claims and didn’t deny them.  “I never say no.. I say “how much,” Strickland wrote on X.  For Strickland, it appears to be a money.  

“Out of curiosity… What do you guys think I was offered to fight Costa on 7 weeks notice? Base contract,” Strickland asked.  A fan responded, “$200k show $200k win $10K fight week incentive,” and Strickland replied, “Close but less lol.”

Out of curiosity… What do you guys think I was offered to fight Costa on 7 weeks notice? Base contract…..

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) April 9, 2024

Strickland lost the title at UFC 297 in January, coming up on the wrong side of a split decision to Dricus Du Plessis.  Strickland has been lobbying for a rematch but it appears the fight promotion has other plans.