One-time UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa mentioned Sean Strickland was one in every of two fights proposed to him – and the previous champ made an sudden transfer.
In an interview with The Coach and The Informal, Costa mentioned he was not too long ago supplied a combat with fellow one-time title challenger Jared Cannonier. He appreciated the concept of the matchup, however his promoter got here calling with one other opponent: Strickland.
“I really like the concept of preventing Cannonier, and [the UFC] prompt I combat in June,” Costa mentioned. “However then, the UFC got here again and mentioned, ‘Paulo, you combat Sean Strickland on June 1. It’s an incredible combat. It’s a enjoyable combat, much more enjoyable that Cannonier, I believe.
“Sadly, I don’t know what occurred – Strickland mentioned no. Strickland refused to combat me. That’s what the UFC advised me. I simply have this info from the UFC. I believe the combat could be nice. I might like to combat him.”
UFC 302 takes place June 1 at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J.
A rep for Strickland didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from MMA Preventing, however the ex-champ posted on Instagram, “I by no means say no…I say how a lot.”
Strickland campaigned for a rematch with Dricus du Plessis, who outpointed him at UFC 297 to disclaim him a primary title protection. The earlier man to beat Strickland was Cannonier, who received a hotly contested choice over the brash fighter at UFC Vegas 66.
Du Plessis not too long ago polled his followers on whether or not a rematch with Strickland or a combat with rival and ex-champ Israel Adesanya could be finest for his first title protection. Du Plessis and Adesanya have circled one another for a number of months and have been as soon as booked to combat at UFC 293 earlier than a du Plessis damage scrapped the date. Strickland went on to switch du Plessis and seize the title with an enormous upset over Adesanya.
With du Plessis on the prime of the division, Costa’s title prospects improved measurably. But when Strickland certainly received’t combat him, he might should take one other path again to the title.
