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 surprising transfer.
In an interview with The Coach and The Informal, Costa mentioned he was not too long ago supplied a struggle with fellow one-time title challenger Jared Cannonier. He appreciated the thought of the matchup, however his promoter got here calling with one other opponent: Strickland.
“I really like the thought of combating Cannonier, and [the UFC] urged I struggle in June,” Costa mentioned. “However then, the UFC got here again and mentioned, ‘Paulo, you struggle Sean Strickland on June 1. It’s an important struggle. It’s a enjoyable struggle, much more enjoyable that Cannonier, I believe.
“Sadly, I don’t know what occurred – Strickland mentioned no. Strickland refused to struggle me. That’s what the UFC instructed me. I simply have this data from the UFC. I believe the struggle can be nice. I might like to struggle him.”
UFC 302 takes place June 1 at Prudential Heart 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 determination 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 struggle with rival and ex-champ Israel Adesanya can be greatest for his first title protection. Du Plessis and Adesanya have circled one another for a number of months and had been as soon as booked to struggle at UFC 293 earlier than a du Plessis damage scrapped the date. Strickland went on to switch du Plessis and seize the title with a large upset over Adesanya.
With du Plessis on the prime of the division, Costa’s title prospects improved measurably. But when Strickland certainly received’t struggle him, he might need to take one other path again to the title.