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UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has officially agreed to step into the Octagon against Paulo Costa, paving the way for an anticipated clash between the two prominent fighters.
The agreement comes after initial reports suggested that Strickland had turned down an offer to fight Costa at UFC 302. Strickland clarified that his decision was based on financial considerations, expressing his desire for a pay increase given the magnitude of the bout against the former middleweight title challenger.
Following discussions with the UFC, Strickland revealed that his compensation concerns have been addressed, leading to a positive outcome for the potential matchup.
Verbal agreements have been reached between Strickland and Costa, with contracts set to be finalized soon. The anticipated bout is expected to feature prominently as the co-main event of UFC 302, scheduled for June 1 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Strickland's public discussion about his pay demands shed light on the financial realities of UFC fighters, as he disclosed earning less than $200,000 to show and $200,000 to win. This transparency resonated with fans, prompting discussions about fighter compensation within the sport.
Costa, coming off a decision loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298, aims to rebound and regain momentum after a previous victory over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. Strickland, meanwhile, initially pursued a rematch with current champion Dricus du Plessis following his title loss but has now shifted focus to the formidable challenge presented by Costa.
While the main event for UFC 302 is yet to be unveiled, the confirmed addition of a heavyweight bout between Jailton Almeida and Alexandr Romanov further enhances the anticipation surrounding this summer's fight card.