Strickland Motors His Way Past Costa, Demands Title Shot

Middleweight Mayhem in Newark!

Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., became the battleground for a clash of Middleweight titans, Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa, tonight (Sat., June 1, 2024) in UFC 302’s pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event.

Strickland’s Cinderella Story (For Now)

Remember last year when Strickland defied all odds? Stepping in on short notice at UFC 293, he dethroned the seemingly invincible Israel Adesanya (watch highlights). Virtually overnight, Strickland became a sensation, though in his own unconventional way. He held the title briefly, but a win over the No. 7-seeded Costa would put him right back on track for a rematch with Adesanya (or Dricus Du Plessis).

Costa On Comeback Trail

Across the Octagon, Costa is looking to recapture his winning form. His recent fight against Robert Whittaker showcased his best performance in awhile, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Aussie veteran. With a new million-dollar contract in hand, Costa was hungrier than ever to stay relevant in the 185-pound division.

A win for either athlete was essential to inch closer to a future title shot, and when the methodical dust finally settled, it was Strickland who walked away with a pivotal decision victory.

The Fight

Costa jogged to the center of the cage and got the action started with a hard low kick, which he followed up with several more as Strickland tried to close the distance. Strickland continued to move forward, throwing front kicks and raising his legs to avoid getting strafed by Costa. Nice counter front kick from Costa as both fighters opted to use their legs — and no punches — through the first two minutes. Body shots from Costa, who appeared to be working his way up, while Strickland kept coming at him like a marching soldier. Strickland flicked a nice right hand, and then another, as Costa backpedaled and fired off more kicks and body punches. Another nice right hand from Strickland knocked Costa off balance, but it was not a big shot.

After a close first round, it was on Costa to open up his attack … and perhaps throw a punch upstairs. Strickland, meanwhile, was barely breathing heavy, refusing to sit down between rounds — like a dog on a bone. Costa thew another early kick, but Strickland nearly caught it in mid-air and then started checking kicks early. With one minute down, Costa finally released a combination upstairs, but Strickland’s shoulder roll defense was on point. Big low kick from Costa moments after, then another, which really seemed to bother Strickland. Jab, followed by a straight right hand for Strickland seemed to be effective. Wheel kick from Costa late, as he continued to circle backward and pick hit shots on the advancing Strickland. Costa got stung tow the end of the second stanza, perhaps more of an endurance issue than anything else — he was using a lot of energy in the first 10 minutes.

Strickland was clearly the fresher fighter entering the third round, with Costa unable — or unwilling? — to move forward. Strickland checked a low kick two minutes in and immediately, Costa started limping bad. Nice left hand from Strickland along the fence followed moments later as he tried to clinch and slow down the furious pace. Strickland began to dial it up even more, pouring on the combinations and mixing in his marching front kicks. Costa, meanwhile, was fighting off his back foot constantly and throwing jabs to the body — he couldn’t get much anything going in the first 15 minutes.

It was much of the same for the remainder of the bout — Strickland stalking Costa, while the Brazilian circled away and fought off his back foot for a half-hour. It appeared as though Costa was looking to set up a big kick or something — constantly looking down — but it never materialized. He was able to land a bit more upstairs down the stretch, but the sheer volume, pace and activity from Strickland was just too much to overcome.

With four losses in his five most recent fights (albeit against strong competition), the future for Costa is unclear. The same cannot be said for Strickland, who now has two rematches teed up as he awaits the winner of Du Plessis vs. Adesanya (if and when it gets announced), or a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev if “Borz” can topple the aforementioned Whittaker later this month at UFC Saudi Arabia.

It’s good to have options.

Final result: Strickland def. Costa via split decision

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