UFC 302's Sean Strickland on Paulo Costa: 'I'm going to make that dirty Brazilian bleed'

Sean Strickland is ready to bring a war to Paulo Costa at UFC 302.

Former middleweight champion Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) meets Costa (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a five-round co-main event June 1 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Strickland, who lost his middleweight title in a close decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in January, aims to rebound in emphatic fashion against Costa.

“You know what, you guys? I like Costa. he’s a funny guy,” Strickland said on his YouTube channel. “He makes me laugh, and he’s pro-free speech. I like that guy. But I’m going to make that dirty Brazilian bleed, and I’m going to do it for Brazil. Brazil doesn’t even like Costa. So hey, Brazil: This one’s for you guys. Let’s get it done.”

Meanwhile, Costa will also look to return to the win column. Despite losing to Robert Whittaker in his past outing at UFC 298, “Borrachinha” put on an exciting performance. He promises to ramp up his aggressiveness against Strickland.

“I just rewatched my fight w Whittaker, I needed to add a little more rhythm and strokes. Maybe that’s why the judges gave it 2×1 in the rounds in his favor. scores. I prioritized the damage factor, leaving him bleeding and bloody in every round even with fewer hits. I’m going to force myself to hit more from now on and keep hurting . Mark my works, I will be a machine hitter in the next .”

I just rewatched my fight w Whittaker , I needed to add a little more rhythm and strokes. Maybe that's why the judges gave it 2×1 in the rounds in his favor. scores. I prioritized the damage factor, leaving him bleeding and bloody in every round even with fewer hits. I'm going to…

— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) April 17, 2024

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.