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In the heart of the UFC 298 pre-fight buzz, Paulo Costa stands firm in his belief that a victory over Robert Whittaker will catapult him straight into the middleweight title picture. With confidence radiating from every word, Costa sees "no other way to go" than a shot at UFC gold.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the highly anticipated showdown at Honda Center, Costa expressed his unwavering conviction in his imminent title contention.
"After my fight against Whittaker, for sure," Costa asserted, addressing reporters. "I don’t see another way different than going straight for the belt after I beat Whittaker on Saturday."
For Costa, the path to redemption and championship glory hinges on overcoming Whittaker, a formidable opponent who has long been a stalwart in the middleweight division. Despite his previous title challenge ending in defeat against Israel Adesanya in 2020, Costa remains undeterred and determined to seize this opportunity.
Reflecting on his journey and the improvements made during his training camp, Costa exudes confidence in his ability to emerge victorious.
"I’m prepared to show I’m different from that guy that you guys saw against (Marvin Vettori) or against Luke Rockhold," Costa emphasized. "I did a lot of improvements. I’m faster. I’m more dangerous than before."
With the spotlight squarely on him, Costa is poised to deliver a performance that not only secures victory but also cements his status as a top contender in the middleweight division. His sights firmly set on the ultimate prize, Costa is ready to showcase his skills and prove that he belongs among the elite.
As fight night approaches, the anticipation builds, and fans eagerly await the outcome of this pivotal matchup. Will Costa's determination and skill be enough to secure his shot at UFC gold? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Paulo Costa is prepared to leave it all in the Octagon to achieve his dreams.