Paulo Costa: Sean Strickland turned down fight with me, Strickland responds

One-time UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa mentioned Sean Strickland was considered one of two fights proposed to him – and the previous champ made an sudden transfer.

In an interview with The Coach and The Informal, Costa mentioned he was just lately supplied a struggle with fellow one-time title challenger Jared Cannonier. He appreciated the concept of the matchup, however his promoter got here calling with one other opponent: Strickland.

“I like the concept of preventing Cannonier, and [the UFC] advised I struggle in June,” Costa mentioned. “However then, the UFC got here again and mentioned, ‘Paulo, you struggle Sean Strickland on June 1. It’s an amazing struggle. It’s a enjoyable struggle, much more enjoyable that Cannonier, I feel.

“Sadly, I don’t know what occurred – Strickland mentioned no. Strickland refused to struggle me. That’s what the UFC informed me. I simply have this data from the UFC. I feel the struggle could be nice. I’d like to struggle him.”

UFC 302 takes place June 1 at Prudential Heart in Newark, N.J.

A rep for Strickland didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from MMA Preventing, however the ex-champ posted on Instagram, “I by no means say no…I say how a lot.”

Strickland campaigned for a rematch with Dricus du Plessis, who outpointed him at UFC 297 to disclaim him a primary title protection. The earlier man to beat Strickland was Cannonier, who gained a hotly contested resolution over the brash fighter at UFC Vegas 66.

Du Plessis just lately polled his followers on whether or not a rematch with Strickland or a struggle with rival and ex-champ Israel Adesanya could be finest for his first title protection. Du Plessis and Adesanya have circled one another for a number of months and had been as soon as booked to struggle at UFC 293 earlier than a du Plessis damage scrapped the date. Strickland went on to switch du Plessis and seize the title with a large upset over Adesanya.

With du Plessis on the high of the division, Costa’s title prospects improved measurably. But when Strickland certainly gained’t struggle him, he might should take one other path again to the title.