Fans of UFC 302 were thrilled to witness the co-main event battle between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa, two top-10 middleweight fighters.
In the opening round, Strickland used heavy kicks to sway Costa, but the Brazilian retaliated with left-leg kicks, which soon damaged Strickland’s left leg. The two continued to fire body shots and kicks until the round ended.
Strickland soon found an opening in round two, landed a hard jab, and dropped Costa, but he quickly recovered. Costa continued to assault Strickland with leg kicks, but his opponents’ retaliation had more damaging effects on his calves and thighs.
They continued to exchange shots, and the rounds went on in a slow crawl before Strickland’s final second head kick in the fifth round. The kick was blocked but resulted in a knockdown. After the five-round match, Strickland took the win with a split decision.
The fight was a pretty boring match, but Strickland seems to have gotten his mojo back and went on to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for a rematch.
