Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa flattered to deceive in their New Jersey co-main event on Saturday night.
The charismatic duo entertained fans all of UFC 302 fight week with their respective antics, but served up a relatively tame affair as neither pushed to finish. With former president Donald Trump watching at cageside, the pair were tentative in the opening rounds as Strickland controlled the positions.
With both men ranked in the top 10, and Strickland even holding the number one contender spot, there were serious title implications for both middleweights. But it seemed as though Costa only began to open up in the fourth after a slow start.
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Sean Strickland drops Paulo Costa in return to form at UFC 302
Sean Strickland is one of the most exciting and fan-friendly fighters in the UFC, both in and out of the octagon. But the divisive former world champion never really left first gear as he seemed happy to keep Costa at bay while competing at a sparring pace.
However, the Brazilian didn’t exactly push the issue too much as he was significantly out-struck in all five rounds despite the fight actually being relatively close. Early in the fight he was dropped by a Strickland counter, but it was an otherwise eventful clash between the pair.
And seemingly out of nowhere with seconds to go in the fifth round, Strickland burst into form as he dropped Costa with a head kick and pushed for the finish. But the result was still unclear as they headed to the scorecards.
One judge had it 50-45 in Strickland’s favour, while another had it 49-46 for Costa. However, the correct decision was made as the American returned to the win column by way of split decision and immediately headed ringside to shake hands with former president Donald Trump.
Sean Strickland shouts out Donald Trump in post-fight interview following UFC 302
The former world champion called his shot for a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title after the victory. But speaking with Joe Rogan in the cage, he admitted that the bout wasn’t the barn burner both men had promised.
“It was a boring fight, I’m sorry guys,” Strickland admitted after the fact. “That Brazilian goes backwards fast, I’m not known for being athletic.”
He then made his feelings about former President Trump clear, after ’45’ was convicted this week on 34 felony counts in a New York court. “President Trump you’re the man,” Strickland declared. “It’s a damn travesty what they’re doing to you, I will be donating money to you.”