Paulo Costa, the Brazilian middleweight fighter, has recently faced a string of losses in the UFC, and his frustration is palpable. After a split decision loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 302, Costa has vowed to make a change and return to his original fight style.
In the co-main event of UFC 302, Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland squared off in a five-round bout that left fans disappointed. Both fighters mostly nullified each other, resulting in a tentative affair that drew boos from the crowd. Strickland’s evasive style made him difficult to catch, and Costa struggled to find openings. While Strickland pushed the pace towards the end of the fight, it was too little too late for Costa, who suffered a split decision defeat.
Paulo Costa’s Original Fight Style
Before facing Israel Adesanya for the middleweight belt in 2020, Paulo Costa was known for his breakneck pace and knockout power. He won four of his first five UFC fights by knockout, thrilling fans with his aggressive approach. However, after being knocked out by Adesanya and experiencing humiliation during a post-fight moment in the cage, Costa’s style seemed to change. He lost three of his next four fights, none of which were fan-friendly showings.
Paulo Costa says he's bringing back the old Paulo, and says "f*** points" 😳
"I will bring back that Paulo. To take heads off, to finish the fight. I'm not a counter [fighter] guy, I do better move forward and try to finish and look for heads…
I won't give a f*** for points,… pic.twitter.com/xYSVk2PfHs
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 2, 2024
In a now-deleted social media video, Costa made a bold promise to fans: “I have the power, so I need to deliver that, and I will do that. I won’t give a f***. F*** points or conserving energy or f*** anything about that; I will come to take heads off.” He emphasized that this is the kind of fighter he is and what people expect from him. Costa is determined to return to his aggressive roots and prioritize fight finishes over conservative strategies.
Paulo Costa’s frustration has fueled his resolve. As he seeks redemption, fans eagerly await his return to the octagon. Will he bring back the old Paulo, the feared knockout artist? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Costa won’t settle for mediocrity. He’s ready to leave it all in the cage and reclaim his status as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.