In a co-main event that left fans scratching their heads, Sean Strickland secured a decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302. While Strickland was relieved to bounce back from his earlier championship loss, he couldn’t help but express his disappointment with the fight’s lackluster nature.
Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) didn’t mince words during the post-fight press conference. He described the bout as “awkward” and questioned the direction it took. At one point, he even wondered aloud, “What the f*ck are we doing here?” The fight lacked the intensity and fireworks that fans typically expect from a matchup of this caliber.
Sean Strickland’s Dominant Performance over Paulo Costa
Paulo Costa (14-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC), known for his exciting performances, seemed out of sorts during the fight. Sean Strickland couldn’t pinpoint exactly what went wrong, but he speculated that Costa simply wasn’t up for the challenge that night. Despite landing calf kicks, Costa failed to bring the expected aggression. Strickland, on the other hand, maintained control with his tight-knit boxing stance and constant jabs.
Ladies and gentlemen, sean strickland making costa look like a punching bag for 5 rounds. pic.twitter.com/ncqXiPG4eS
— Sif (@NotJihadistGuts) June 2, 2024
Sean Strickland humorously suggested that perhaps Costa wanted to be friends rather than opponents. He mused, “I think Costa maybe just wanted to be friends. I don’t know.” However, he also emphasized that you can never truly gauge someone’s skill until they face a formidable opponent. In this case, Costa’s hesitation against Strickland revealed more than just physical prowess—it highlighted the mental aspect of fighting.
While the UFC 302 co-main event may not have delivered the fireworks fans anticipated, it did provide insight into the complexities of high-level MMA. Strickland’s frustration and Costa’s uncharacteristic performance left everyone wondering, “What the f*ck are we doing here?” Perhaps the answer lies in the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
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