JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Sean Strickland believes it’s his battle to lose Saturday night time.
The previous UFC middleweight champion makes his return within the co-main occasion of UFC 302 towards Paulo Costa in his first battle since dropping the belt to Dricus Du Plessis earlier this 12 months. Though he’s taking a seasoned contender, Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) is assured that he’s obtained this win within the bag absent of any essential mistake from his half.
“I’m higher than Costa,” Strickland informed reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 302 media day. “We all know that; he is aware of that. I simply should f*ck up (to lose). Have I f*cked up earlier than? Yeah, certain, however I don’t assume it’s going to occur on Saturday.”
Strickland thinks Costa (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is a fairly simple problem. He is aware of the Brazilian presents risks however sees them as predictable.
“The factor with Costa, he’s a fairly fundamental man,” Strickland mentioned. “However simply since you’re fundamental, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t battle. He simply backs up and explodes and appears to catch you with one thing. That’s just about the take with Costa. He backs up, explodes, catches you with one thing, after which put stress on him. Simply don’t be a f*cking fool.”
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