Tag: Paulo Costa

Sean Strickland turned down lowball offer to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 302: ‘It’s cut throat in here’

MixCollage 09 Apr 2024 04 13 PM 147Sean Strickland may be a former UFC champion, but he certainly isn’t being paid like one. Middleweight contender Paulo…

MixCollage 09 Apr 2024 04 13 PM 147

Sean Strickland may be a former UFC champion, but he certainly isn’t being paid like one.

Middleweight contender Paulo Costa recently accused Strickland of turning down a fight with him at UFC 302 when the promotion returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 1.

“Two days ago, UFC come back and say, ‘Paulo, you fight Strickland on June 1,’” Costa said during an appearance on The Coach And The Casual. “It’s a great fight. It’s a fun fight, ]more] than Cannonier, I think.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know what happened,” Costa continued. “Strickland say, ‘No, he don’t want to fight me.’ Strickland, he refused to fight me, unfortunately. That’s what UFC told me. I just have this information from UFC. I think this fight would be great, I would love to fight him.”

“I never say no … I say ‘How much’ lol,” Strickland wrote on an Instagram, responding to Costa’s claim.

Sean Strickland Reveals the UFC’s Offer

Jumping social media platforms, ‘Tarzan’ took to X where he confirmed that he and the promotion were far apart when it comes to how much coin he would collect for a fight in The Garden State.

“Just fighting the UFC about pay lol it will get sorted soon or it’s gonna get weird man!” he wrote when asked for a fight announcement.

Sean Strickland

“Out of curiosity … what do you guys think I was offered to fight Costa on 7 weeks notice?” he asked his fans. “Base contract…..”

Sean Strickland

One person guessed $200,000 to show and $200,000 to win. Strickland replied, “Close, but less lol.”

Screenshot 2024 04 09 154330

“My man it’s cut throat in here,” he said to another fan who guessed $1 million. “99 percent of UFC fighters will never see a million their entire career.”

Sean Strickland

As a UFC champion, Sean Strickland may have very well cleared seven figures for his title fight with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in January. Now that he’s no longer champion, ‘Tarzan’ will only see the standard base pay + win bonus. Given his status as a top contender and likely one big win away from another shot at the belt, it’s understandable that Strickland would want to be more cautious about when he fights.

Paulo Costa claims Sean Strickland turned down grudge match at UFC 302 in New Jersey: ‘It’s a fun fight’

Paulo Costa claims Sean Strickland turned down fight with him at UFC 302 in New JerseyOff the back of his decision defeat to former champion, Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 298…

Paulo Costa claims Sean Strickland turned down fight with him at UFC 302 in New Jersey

Off the back of his decision defeat to former champion, Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of UFC 298 back in February, former title challenger, Paulo Costa has claimed the promotion informed him that a planned UFC 302 fight with another ex-champion, Sean Strickland would not be materializing for the June event, despite best efforts. 

Paulo Costa successfully makes weight for UFC 298 fight with Robert Whittaker
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Costa, the current number seven ranked middleweight contender, most recently co-headlined UFC 298 back in February in a long-anticipated fight against the above-mentioned, Whittaker, suffering a decision loss to the Melbourne-born favorite over the course of three rounds.

Paulo Costa claims he's not signed contract to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 298 I don't know what happened
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Strickland, the outspoken former champion has yet to return since he headlined UFC 297 in January in Canada, dropping his middleweight crown in a close, split decision defeat to Dricus du Plessis, and appears to be rather disillusioned with his future in the sport amid his loss. 

Paulo Costa reveals Sean Strickland bout was targeted for UFC 302

Providing a significant update on his fighting future, Belo Horizonte native, Costa claimed the promotion had suggested a bout with former title challenger, Jared Cannonier, before then revealing Strickland had turned down the chance to fight him at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey – much to the Brazilian’s disappointment.

Sean Strickland claims Canada tried to pull him from UFC 297 title fight they absolutely hated me
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“UFC suggested I fight (Jared) Cannonier,” Paulo Costa told The Coach And The Casual during a recent interview. “It’s a nice fight, I love the idea to fight [against] Cannonier. And [they] suggested that fight [take place] for June.”

But then, two days ago, UFC came back and said, ‘Paulo, you fight (Sean) Strickland on June 1?’” Paulo Costa explained. “It’s a great fight – it’s a fun fight, you know, even more fun that Cannonier, I think. Unfortunately, I don’t know what happened, Strickland said no. Strickland, he refused to fight me, unfortunately. But that’s what the UFC told me, you know. I just have this this information from the UFC. I think that fight, it would be great. You know, I would love to fight him.

Who wins in a potential fight: Sean Strickland or Paulo Costa?

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa in UFC 298 fight: ‘That spinning kick should’ve killed me’

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa that kick should've killed meFormer UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker explains his mindset heading into his recent fight with Paulo Costa. Following his…

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa that kick should've killed me

Former UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker explains his mindset heading into his recent fight with Paulo Costa.

Following his knockout loss against Dricus Du Plessis last July, there was questions on whether Whittaker was still the same fighter, if the years of campaigning at the top level had caught up to him. However, Whittaker would bounce back with a decision win over the bruising Paulo Costa at UFC 298 and would battle through adversity to do so. 

Towards the end of the first round Costa would land a spinning wheel kick which would rock Robert Whittaker, leaving him limp legged staggering backwards to the cage. 

Whittaker would recover well, pulling away and winning the last two rounds. Reacting to the victory, ‘The Reaper’ would make light of the tough moment and poke fun at his doubters.

“I’ve never been spinning wheel kicked in my life,” Whittaker explained on his MMArcade podcast. “His kicks were so fast in that first round.

“Everyone in comments, any comment anywhere, especially after the Dricus fight: Whittaker’s chin’s gone, he’s a wash,” he continued. “Mate, my chin’s back. I don’t know where it went on vacation, but it’s back, dude (laughs). He’s come back and he’s clocked in. That kick should have killed me.” (H/T MMA Mania)

What’s next for Robert Whittaker?

With the win, Whittaker puts himself firmly back into the title picture and could be one solid win away from another crack at the belt. Having already fought the rest of the top five, the logical next fight would be against Sean Strickland, who is also coming off a loss to Dricus Du Plessis. 

Whittaker proved he still has something left in the tank, and with the ever-changing middleweight division, who knows what could happen.

Do you think Robert Whittaker will become UFC champion again?

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa in UFC 298 fight: ‘That spinning kick should’ve killed me’

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa that kick should've killed meFormer UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker explains his mindset heading into his recent fight with Paulo Costa. Following his…

Robert Whittaker laughs off near-KO loss to Paulo Costa that kick should've killed me

Former UFC middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker explains his mindset heading into his recent fight with Paulo Costa.

Following his knockout loss against Dricus Du Plessis last July, there was questions on whether Whittaker was still the same fighter, if the years of campaigning at the top level had caught up to him. However, Whittaker would bounce back with a decision win over the bruising Paulo Costa at UFC 298 and would battle through adversity to do so. 

Towards the end of the first round Costa would land a spinning wheel kick which would rock Robert Whittaker, leaving him limp legged staggering backwards to the cage. 

Whittaker would recover well, pulling away and winning the last two rounds. Reacting to the victory, ‘The Reaper’ would make light of the tough moment and poke fun at his doubters.

“I’ve never been spinning wheel kicked in my life,” Whittaker explained on his MMArcade podcast. “His kicks were so fast in that first round.

“Everyone in comments, any comment anywhere, especially after the Dricus fight: Whittaker’s chin’s gone, he’s a wash,” he continued. “Mate, my chin’s back. I don’t know where it went on vacation, but it’s back, dude (laughs). He’s come back and he’s clocked in. That kick should have killed me.” (H/T MMA Mania)

What’s next for Robert Whittaker?

With the win, Whittaker puts himself firmly back into the title picture and could be one solid win away from another crack at the belt. Having already fought the rest of the top five, the logical next fight would be against Sean Strickland, who is also coming off a loss to Dricus Du Plessis. 

Whittaker proved he still has something left in the tank, and with the ever-changing middleweight division, who knows what could happen.

Do you think Robert Whittaker will become UFC champion again?

Paulo Costa eyes fight with ex-Champion Kamaru Usman after UFC 298 return: ‘I might finish him’

Paulo Costa eyes fight with Kamaru Usman in UFC next I might finish himOff the back of his decision defeat to former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker last weekend in the co-main…

Paulo Costa eyes fight with Kamaru Usman in UFC next I might finish him

Off the back of his decision defeat to former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker last weekend in the co-main event of UFC 298, former divisional title chaser, Paulo Costa has claimed a fight with former welterweight gold holder, Kamaru Usman is something that definitely interests him next.

Costa, the current number seventh ranked middleweight contender, had been sidelined for almost two years prior to last weekend’s co-headlining clash with former champion, Whittaker.

And despite almost closing the show late in the first round with a hellacious wheel kick attempt before the initial frame buzzer, Belo Horizonte native, Costa returned to the losing column in a decision loss to Whittaker.

As for Usman, the former pound-for-pound number one most recently co-headlined UFC 294 himself back in October in Abu Dhabi, UAE – losing a close, majority decision defeat to the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev on short-notice.

Paulo Costa weighs up Kamaru Usman clash

And weighing up a potential middleweight stay following an impromptu divisional debut, Usman has been called out by Costa following his UFC 298 return – claiming that he may be able to do what Chimaev failed to, and finish the Auchi veteran if they share the Octagon together.

“(Kamaru) Usman [at] 185lbs looks interesting,” Paulo Costa posted on his official X account today. “Gourmet Chen Chen couldn’t finish him even [on] short notice. I might.”

Slumping to his third consecutive loss with his defeat to Chechnya native, Chimaev, Usman had dropped a pair of championship rematch and subsequent rubber-match losses to three time foe, Leon Edwards in the pair’s recent title showdowns. 

Himself challenging for gold back in 2020 at the middleweight limit, Costa’s unbeaten run came to a close in the form of a one-sided second round knockout loss to former two-time weight class champion, Israel Adesanya. 

Who wins in a future fight: Kamaru Usman or Paulo Costa?

Robert Whittaker outworks Paulo Costa, fights his way back into the win column via UD – UFC 298 Highlights

Robert WhittakerRobert Whittaker got back into the win column with a fantastic performance against the returning Paulo Costa in their…

Robert Whittaker

Robert Whittaker got back into the win column with a fantastic performance against the returning Paulo Costa in their UFC 298 co-main event.

The opening round was fairly competitive with Whittaker gaining a small advantage via a series of nasty calf kicks to Costa’s lead leg. However, ‘The Eraser’ appeared to steal the round with a perfectly timed spinning heel kick in the closing seconds that had Whittaker on rubber legs.

Despite being bloodied and battered, Whittaker appeared to be the fresher fighter throughout the second round. ‘The Reaper’ continued to attack Costa’s leg and blasted the one-time title challenger with a brilliant one-two combination.

With the contest potentially tied at 1-1, Costa came out with a sense of urgency, but it did nothing to deter Whittaker from going on the attack. With three minutes to go, Costa was calling for Whittaker to stand in the center and bang with him. Whittaker refused to take the bait and stuck to his game plan.

Costa once again attempted to land the spinning heel kick, but Costa saw it coming this time and avoided the danger. With 10 seconds to go, Whittaker briefly attempted a takedown before bailing out and landing another solid combination as the final horn sounded.

Official Result: Robert Whittaker def. Paulo Costa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Check Out Highlights From Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa at UFC 298: 

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