Paulo Costa, who once challenged for the UFC middleweight title, said Sean Strickland was one of two fights he was offered. And then the former champion did something unexpected.
In interviews with The Coach and The Casual, Costa said he was recently offered a match against fellow former title challenger Jared Cannonier. He liked the idea of this matchup, but the promoter called another opponent, Strickland.
“I love the idea of fighting Cannonier. [the UFC] I suggested we fight in June,” Costa said. “But then the UFC came back and said, 'Paulo, you fight Sean Strickland on June 1st. It's a great fight.' It's a fun fight, I think it's even more fun than Cannonier.
“Unfortunately, I don't know what happened, but Mr. Strickland said no. Strickland refused to fight me. That's what I was told by the UFC. I got the information. I think the fight will be great. I would love to fight him.”
UFC 302 will be held on June 1st at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Strickland's agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MMA Fighting, but the former champion posted on Instagram, “I never say no…how much.”
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Strickland has called for a rematch with Doricus du Plessis, who outmaneuvered him at UFC 297 and refused to defend his title for the first time. Cannonier last defeated Strickland, winning a hard-fought decision over the brash fighter at UFC Vegas 66.
Du Plessis recently polled fans on whether a rematch with Strickland or a bout with rival and former champion Israel Adesanya would be best for his first title defense. Du Plessis and Adesanya have been away from each other for several months and were once scheduled to meet at UFC 293 until the date was canceled due to du Plessis' injury. Strickland replaced du Plessis and won the title in a huge upset against Adesanya.
With du Plessis at the top of the division, Costa's chances of winning the title have visibly improved. However, if Strickland really doesn't fight him, he may have to take a different path to regain the title.
