Paulo Costa has pledged to convey again his aggressive, head-hunting fashion of combating after struggling a cut up choice loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302. This current bout, which occurred on the Prudential Middle in Newark, New Jersey, has left Costa annoyed and decided to return to his roots as a power-centric MMA fighter. The struggle noticed Costa, who had already skilled a string of ups and downs, getting edged out by a extra tactical Strickland in what many have described as an ungainly conflict.
Costa, whose file now stands at 14-4 in MMA and 6-4 within the UFC, took to social media platform X to precise his frustration and vowed to change his combating method. “Yeah, Sean gained, I didn’t carry out very effectively,” Costa mentioned. “I’ll convey again the Paulo that takes heads off, to complete the struggle.” His sentiments replicate an understanding that whereas Strickland’s fashion thwarted him, a return to a extra aggressive, much less calculated mode may serve him effectively in future matches.
The bout in opposition to Strickland highlighted a downturn for Costa, who began his UFC profession with 4 consecutive knockouts, adopted by an intense conflict with Yoel Romero. Nevertheless, in current occasions, Costa has confronted 4 losses in his final 5 fights, battling former champions like Luke Rockhold and Robert Whittaker alongside the best way. In his post-fight debrief, Costa was candid: “Sorry, I’m not that form of counter man. I do higher shifting ahead and making an attempt to complete and search for heads.”
For struggle followers, Costa’s shift again to a extra aggressive combating fashion may reignite the joy that originally made him a must-watch competitor. Costa’s promise to eschew point-fighting in favor of knockout artistry holds appreciable significance within the MMA neighborhood, the place followers typically crave spectacular finishes over tactical bout methods. “I gained’t give a f*ck… I’ll come to take heads off,” Costa emphatically declared, seemingly promising a return to the extreme, all-or-nothing battles that characterised his early profession.
From a broader trade perspective, Costa’s declaration may also revive his marketability. Aggressive fighters historically draw extra viewers curiosity, and Costa’s recommitment to a fierce fashion may probably elevate his standing within the UFC and past. With the UFC all the time eager to advertise fighters who can promise unforgettable bouts, Costa’s pivot may make him a sizzling commodity as soon as once more.
Moreover, this shift could influence how future opponents put together for him. Figuring out that Costa is aiming for knockouts relatively than enjoying it secure may make for extra dynamic, unpredictable fights. Not solely does this alter Costa’s technique, however it could possibly set the stage for extra thrilling matchups within the middleweight division.
Ultimately, Paulo Costa’s outspoken frustration and renewed dedication to an aggressive combating fashion sign not only a pivotal second for him, however probably an thrilling chapter for MMA followers and the UFC as a complete. As he rebuilds his method and gears up for future fights, trade insiders and fanatics alike will probably be keenly watching, desperate to see if the Brazilian powerhouse can certainly convey again the ferocious depth that after made him one of the crucial feared contenders within the octagon. It’s clear that Costa is able to cease combating for factors and begin combating to decapitate, and in doing so, he may very effectively reclaim his spot as one of many prime points of interest within the sport.
Uncover extra from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the newest posts to your e mail.
