Newark – UFC middleweight Paulo Costa feels like the winner of his bout against Sean Strickland at UFC 302 on Saturday night could jump into a title fight next.
“He already beat (Israel) Adesanya. If Adesanya beats Dricus (du Plessis) and if Sean beat(s) me he(s) going to be next,” Costa told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“But let’s see. You never know. I have beef with Adesanya as well, and against (Khamzat) Chimaev. (Anything) can happen”
Costa (14-3) knows it isn’t enough to just win in order to hop to the front of the title picture. He must do it in style.
“Who deliver(s) better on Saturday going to step in front. If I knock (him out in) great style Saturday, and the fight in Saudi Arabia (Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker) is not so good we can be (in) front of this,” he said.
There has been plenty of shots taken between Costa and Strickland, but the Brazilian doesn’t actually dislike his opponent very much. Although he did call him a “soy boy with a liberal chin” on social media.
“Yes. I think that,” Costa said as the media room burst into laughter.
“I’ll be honest I think that yeah.”
Costa does appreciate that Strickland has been talking about their fight as it works to promote the bout.
“I think in the bottom he’s a good guy. He’s (a) patriot. He wish the best for his country, and for his people,” he said.
“And me as well so I think we are on the same side. He talks(s) a lot. (It’s) good for (promotion).”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Paulo Costa above. He takes on Sean Strickland at UFC 302 on Saturday night.
