Hey, did you catch this? Sean Strickland’s tweet got people talking. He’s wondering if Paulo Costa’s out of their fight. Check it out right here: [pic.twitter.com/ImSS63WcGj](https://t.co/ImSS63WcGj) (May 15, 2024).
UFC fighters are scratching their heads lately. They’re puzzled over these “announced” matchups that seem to be up in the air.
So, back in April, right after UFC 300, they dropped a bomb. They said Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa are gonna throw down. It’s supposed to be this epic co-main event in Newark, New Jersey, come June 1. But here’s the twist – Strickland’s now hinting that maybe, just maybe, this fight’s on shaky ground. Or worse, was it all just smoke and mirrors?
Oh, and Strickland? He’s not holding back. He’s out there calling Costa out, saying he thought Costa was tougher. That he wouldn’t back down. But now, he’s suggesting maybe Costa’s not as brave as he thought. Even threw in a jab about Costa needing a chat about his feelings. Ouch.
Since facing Adesanya, Costa’s record’s been a bit rocky. He’s 1-2, with only a tight win over Luke Rockhold. Meanwhile, he’s also been known for not showing up to a few fights. His last bout? A loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298.
But then, Costa’s camp fired back. They spoke to Super Lutas, saying, “Hold up, we’ve signed the contract.” Costa’s wife and manager, Tamara Alves, insists it’s all systems go.
Alves even mentioned that the contract ink dried just yesterday. She hinted that the negotiations were a bit of a rollercoaster but confirmed Costa’s been gearing up for this fight all along.
She’s playing the long game, looking for the best deals for Costa. And now, with the contract signed, they’re eyeing the future. Speaking of which, the middleweight division’s buzzing with possibilities. Alves thinks the UFC’s gonna watch these upcoming fights closely, especially Costa vs. Strickland, to decide who’s next for the title shot.
Strickland’s in a spot, though. He’s coming off a split decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297. If this fight with Costa doesn’t happen, there’s talk of Jared Cannonier stepping in. Cannonier’s got a win over Strickland already and is set to headline UFC Louisville against Nassourdine Imavov in June.