UFC 302 Results: Sean Strickland Dominates Paulo Costa in Co-Main Event

Former middleweight champ Sean Strickland defeats #7-ranked Paulo Costa in UFC 302 co-main event, calls for title shot rematch.

In a thrilling co-main event at UFC 302, Sean Strickland showcased his resilience by bouncing back from losing his middleweight belt to defeat the #7-ranked contender Paulo Costa. The former kickboxing champ, Costa, entered the octagon with a strategy focused on leg kicks, which initially proved successful against Strickland. However, Strickland quickly adapted, defending against the kicks and applying constant pressure throughout the fight.

Despite Costa's efforts to rally in the later rounds, Strickland maintained control and landed more significant strikes, ultimately securing a split-decision victory. While one judge scored the fight 49-46 in favor of Costa, the majority decision went to Strickland, solidifying his position as a top middleweight contender.

Following his impressive win, Strickland wasted no time in calling for a title shot and a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. This victory marked a significant milestone for Strickland, who had not fought twice in the same year since 2017, showcasing his determination and skill in the octagon.

The co-main event was preceded by an exciting submission victory from Kevin Holland over MichaÅ' Oleksiejczuk in the first round. Additionally, Jailton Almeida secured a submission win of his own, rebounding from his first UFC loss with a rear naked choke on Alexandr Romanov. The preliminary fights at UFC 302 were filled with action and excitement, setting the stage for a memorable night of MMA competition.