Sean Strickland wants Paulo Costa, will ‘put him on his knees’

LAS VEGAS – Sean Strickland desires a possible title eliminator with Paulo Costa for his subsequent journey to the octagon this yr.

After snapping a two-fight dropping skid with a short-notice decision win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Combat Night time 217 in January, Strickland (26-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is seeking to construct his inventory again up within the middleweight division, and sees former title challenger Costa as the suitable subsequent step.

“I wish to combat Costa,” Strickland informed MMA Junkie. “I do know he’s in some contract negotiations. It was good. The UFC just about mentioned a no-consequence combat (in opposition to Imavov) – simply go on the market and have enjoyable. I’ve bought to be trustworthy – I like when it’s like that. I’d’ve stepped in to combat Ryan Spann this weekend if they might’ve provided me it. It’s so significantly better when you possibly can go on the market and combat and also you’re going to make f*cking cash and it doesn’t matter.”

Strickland and Costa are two of the extra distinctive characters at present on the UFC roster. They polarize followers with their method to social media, however in the case of within the cage, Strickland thinks he can counter the ability of the Brazilian.

“Costa’s a humorous motherf*cker,” Strickland mentioned. “He’s type of dumb, and that claims loads coming from this f*cking man. However he’s a humorous motherf*cker, however I’m going to place him on his knees and f*ck him like Izzy (Adesanya).”

Strickland mentioned he can be able to signal a bout settlement to face Costa instantly, however would want a while to chop right down to the middleweight division.

“I’m like 225 (kilos) – I’m fats proper now,” Strickland mentioned. “So give me like eight weeks. Eight, 10 weeks and let me make the load and I’ll combat anyone.”