Sean Strickland (image via UFC / Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Recently, there’s been speculation about a fight between Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland materializing, and now it looks like the bout will happen.

A few days ago, Costa reported that Strickland had turned down an offer to fight the Brazilian middleweight at UFC 302. Strickland relayed via social media that he was looking for more money for the proposed, June 1st bout.

Now, more recently, Strickland announced via X that he met with the UFC and that they’ve reached a deal for the fight. According to a report from MMA Fighting, verbal agreements are in place for the fight but it has yet to be contractually finalized.

Well had a meeting with the UFC and told them that I don't want to be rich. I want to be able to support a family after my career is done

They actually were pretty supportive, made it happen. Thank you fans!

Alright @BorrachinhaMMA you got your wish… Let's do some bleeding.

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) April 10, 2024

The American, Strickland (28-6) is coming off a split decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis in January, after winning the middleweight title in September, by handing Israel Adesanya a unanimous decision loss.

Costa (14-3) dropped a unanimous decision loss to former champ, Robert Whittaker, in Febraury.  That marked the first time Costa had competed, since he recorded a unanimous decision win over Luke Rockhold in 2022.

UFC 302 will take place in Newark, New Jersey.