Sean Strickland has a reason for not jumping at a fight with Paulo Costa. It’s all over the MMA blogs.
Costa spilled the beans recently. He mentioned that Strickland seemed to dodge a fight scheduled for UFC 302. This event is set to light up Newark, New Jersey, on June 1.
Now, Costa isn’t just any fighter. He’s coming off a tough match. In February, at UFC 298, he faced Robert Whittaker. Despite a unanimous decision loss, Costa showed heart. It was his big comeback after a year-and-a-half hiatus.
Before the Strickland buzz, Costa had his eyes on Jared Cannonier. The UFC had other plans, though. They threw Strickland’s name into the mix. Costa was all for it. He thought fighting Strickland would be even more thrilling than facing Cannonier.
On “The Coach and The Casual” podcast, Costa shared his excitement. “UFC suggests Cannonier for June. I’m all in. Then, bam! They switch it up. ‘How about Strickland on June 1?’ I’m like, ‘Yes! Let’s do it.’ But then, Strickland backs out. No clue why. The UFC just told me he said no. It’s a bummer. I was ready to go.”
Strickland, known for not mincing words, had a quick reply. He hit up Costa’s Instagram, where the interview was shared. His response? It wasn’t a flat no. It was more about the money. “I didn’t say no.. I said ‘how much,’” he commented.
Strickland’s been in the spotlight himself. He lost his title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in January. It was a close split decision. Since then, he’s been vocal about wanting a rematch with “Stillknocks.”
So, there you have it. A fight that could’ve been but got tangled in talks of money and matchups. The MMA world keeps turning, with fighters like Costa and Strickland at the center of the drama and excitement.