LAS VEGAS – Sean Strickland wants a potential title eliminator with Paulo Costa for his next trip to the octagon this year.
After snapping a two-fight losing skid with a short-notice decision win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217 in January, Strickland (26-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is looking to build his stock back up in the middleweight division, and sees former title challenger Costa as the appropriate next step.
“I want to fight Costa,” Strickland told MMA Junkie. “I know he’s in some contract negotiations. It was nice. The UFC pretty much said a no-consequence fight (against Imavov) – just go out there and have fun. I’ve got to be honest – I love when it’s like that. I would’ve stepped in to fight Ryan Spann this weekend if they would’ve offered me it. It’s so much better when you can go out there and fight and you’re going to make f*cking money and it doesn’t matter.”
Strickland and Costa are two of the more unique characters currently on the UFC roster. They polarize fans with their approach to social media, but when it comes to in the cage, Strickland thinks he can counter the power of the Brazilian.
“Costa’s a funny motherf*cker,” Strickland said. “He’s kind of dumb, and that says a lot coming from this f*cking guy. But he’s a funny motherf*cker, but I’m going to put him on his knees and f*ck him like Izzy (Adesanya).”
Strickland said he would be ready to sign a bout agreement to face Costa immediately, but would need some time to cut down to the middleweight division.
“I’m like 225 (pounds) – I’m fat right now,” Strickland said. “So give me like eight weeks. Eight, 10 weeks and let me make the weight and I’ll fight anybody.”
