Sean Strickland Triumphs Over Paulo Costa in UFC 302 Co-Main Event

Sean Strickland emerged victorious in the co-main event of UFC 302, defeating Paulo Costa in an enthralling matchup held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The bout showcased Strickland’s resilience and prowess in a hard-fought split decision win.

Luke Thomas reported the split decision results, indicating a score of 50-45 in favor of Strickland and a surprising 49-46 score given to Costa by judge Dave Tirelli. This result solidified Strickland’s position as a top contender in the middleweight division.

In the early stages of the fight, Costa demonstrated his striking ability with impactful leg kicks that momentarily hindered Strickland’s movement. However, Strickland maintained his relentless pressure and gradually gained momentum as the rounds progressed.

As the fight entered the second round, Costa found himself on the defensive, struggling to fend off Strickland’s aggressive advances. Strickland’s effective jab and unyielding pressure posed a significant challenge to Costa, who failed to mount a substantial offense.

Despite Costa’s occasional counters to the body, Strickland’s consistent pressure and unorthodox defensive maneuvers kept him in control throughout the bout. The Eraser, known for his power and striking prowess, was unable to find a consistent rhythm against Strickland’s relentless onslaught.

Kenny Florian praised Strickland’s unique fighting style, highlighting his defensive capabilities and relentless forward movement. Strickland’s performance culminated in a striking sequence of kicks and punches in the final seconds of the fifth round, showcasing his determination and skill.

This victory marks Strickland’s remarkable comeback following his loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 292, where he surrendered his middleweight title. With aspirations of reclaiming the championship belt, Strickland remains focused on securing another title shot in the highly competitive division.

While speculations surround potential matchups between Du Plessis and former champion Israel Adesanya, Strickland’s impressive win positions him as a formidable challenger in the middleweight landscape. The 33-year-old fighter’s journey from setbacks to triumphs underscores his resilience and determination to excel in the UFC.