One-time UFC middleweight title opposition Paulo Costa stated Sean Strickland was among 2 battles proposed to him– and the previous champ made an unanticipated relocation.
In an interview with The Coach and The Casual, Costa stated he was just recently provided a battle with fellow one-time title opposition Jared Cannonier. He liked the concept of the match, however his promoter came calling with another challenger: Strickland.
“I like the concept of combating Cannonier, and [the UFC] recommended I combat in June,” Costa stated. “But then, the UFC returned and stated, ‘Paulo, you combat Sean Strickland on June 1. It’s a terrific battle. It’s an enjoyable battle, much more enjoyable that Cannonier, I believe.
“Unfortunately, I do not understand what took place– Strickland stated no. Strickland declined to combat me. That’s what the UFC informed me. I simply have this info from the UFC. I believe the battle would be excellent. I would enjoy to eliminate him.”
UFC 302 happens June 1 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
An associate for Strickland didn’t right away react to an ask for remark from MMA Fighting, however the ex-champ published on Instagram, “I never ever state no … I state just how much.”
Strickland likewise supplied more context over Twitter.
Strickland campaigned for a rematch with Dricus du Plessis, who outpointed him at UFC 297 to reject him a very first title defense. The previous male to beat Strickland was Cannonier, who won a fiercely objected to choice over the bold fighter at UFC Vegas 66.
Du Plessis just recently surveyed his fans on whether a rematch with Strickland or a battle with competing and ex-champ Israel Adesanya would be best for his very first title defense. Du Plessis and Adesanya have actually circled around each other for a number of months and were when scheduled to eliminate at UFC 293 before a du Plessis injury ditched the date. Strickland went on to change du Plessis and record the title with a huge upset over Adesanya.
With du Plessis at the top of the department, Costa’s title potential customers enhanced measurably. If Strickland certainly will not battle him, he might have to take another course back to the title.