Paulo Costa is preparing for an eagerly awaited middleweight match against Sean Strickland at UFC 302. In order to improve his readiness, the Brazilian fighter has sought the help of two ex-Olympic boxers to challenge Strickland’s famous boxing abilities. This important step highlights Costa’s commitment to improving his striking skills for this crucial fight.
Intensive Training Regimen with Olympic Expertise
In preparation for the crucial fight, Paulo Costa has integrated the knowledge of Olympic-level boxers into his training camp. Costa is working closely with Kelson Pinto, who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and Edvaldo ‘Badola’ Gonzaga, a participant in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. These seasoned athletes bring a wealth of experience and technical proficiency, which Costa hopes to leverage in his showdown with Strickland.
Costa’s Insights on His Training Partners
Paulo Costa has expressed his appreciation for the impact Pinto and Gonzaga have had on his training. He shared with Bloody Elbow, “I met Kelson Pinto at the UFC PI [Performance Institute] when I was pushing myself to the limit. [He] taught me how to be more efficient with striking.” Costa emphasized the complementary skills of his trainers, adding, “Edvaldo Badola [Gonzaga] is a boxing coach as well; same lineage as Kelson, and he was an Olympic athlete too. We are just trying to mix the styles to get the best point of each one.”
Preparing for Strickland’s Boxing-Heavy Approach
Sean Strickland, known for his boxing-centric fighting style, rarely incorporates kicks into his offense. Instead, he relies on his exceptional timing and continuous sparring to outmaneuver his opponents. Costa’s decision to train with Olympic boxers is a direct response to Strickland’s strengths. By enhancing his striking efficiency and integrating diverse techniques, Costa aims to neutralize Strickland’s advantages.
Is Paulo Costa Training With Two Olympic Boxers for UFC 302 Fight Against Sean Strickland? #PauloCosta #OlympicBoxers #UFC302 https://t.co/aGvdKgFxpT
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Strickland Predicts a Grueling Battle
Both Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland are known for their durability and striking prowess, setting the stage for a potentially explosive encounter. Strickland has predicted a brutal and extended battle against Costa at UFC 302. Speaking to MMA Mania, he remarked, “UFC 302, man, it’s going to be a bloodbath. I think that me and Costa, we’re going to go into deep water. It’s going to be a 25-minute war.”
Strickland continued, “I think we’re both going to be looking at each other in that third, fourth round, thinking, ‘f**k, we got one more round.’ But mentally, as always, I’m ready to die for what I want. And I think I’m going to pick him apart.”
Strickland’s Recent Performance
Sean Strickland’s last outing at UFC 297 ended in a decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis, where he dropped the middleweight title. Despite this setback, Strickland remains confident and determined to reclaim his standing in the division.
Costa’s Previous Fight and Motivation
Paulo Costa’s last fight at UFC 298 saw him in a three-round war with Robert Whittaker. Despite a controversial decision that didn’t go in his favor, Costa’s performance demonstrated his resilience and combat skills. This controversial loss has only fueled Costa’s determination to secure a decisive victory against Strickland.
The Stakes at UFC 302
The upcoming UFC 302 match between Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland holds great importance for the future of their careers. A victory for Costa could boost his position in the middleweight rankings, confirming his status as a strong challenger. Strickland needs a win to bounce back from his title defeat and prove he still belongs among the top fighters in the division.
Fan Anticipation and Fight Predictions
MMA fans are eagerly anticipating UFC 302. Costa and Strickland are both known for their striking prowess and resilience, making their upcoming fight highly anticipated for its thrilling and intense action. Costa’s improved training program and Strickland’s unwavering belief will result in a showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance in the upcoming fight.
As the fight date approaches, analysts and fans alike are speculating on the potential outcomes. Will Costa’s Olympic-enhanced training give him the edge he needs to dismantle Strickland’s boxing-heavy approach? Or will Strickland’s relentless pressure and precise timing prove too much for Costa? The answers will unfold in what promises to be one of the most electrifying matches of the year.
