“I want to fight Costa,” Strickland told MMA Junkie. “I know he is negotiating a contract, but it would be nice to fight him. I just had a fight against Imavov, which did not decide anything – I just went out and had fun. Honestly, I like these fights. I would go out this weekend against Ryan Spann if they offered. It’s much better when you go out and just make money and nothing else matters.”
“Costa is a funny motherfucker. From what he says, he’s a little dumb, but he’s still funny, and I’m going to take him to his knees and fuck him like Izzy. Now I’m 225 pounds, I’ve put on some fat, but give me eight to ten weeks and I’ll make weight and fight anyone.”
In January of this year, Sean Strickland returned his career to a successful track by winning a unanimous decision against Nassurdin Imavov. Prior to this, the 32-year-old American suffered two defeats in a row, losing by knockout to Alex Pereira, and losing a split decision to Jared Cannonier.
Paulo Costa last fought last August in a unanimous decision victory over former UFC champion Luke Rockhold. Thus, the 31-year-old Brazilian closed two defeats – a technical knockout from Israel Adesanya, and a unanimous decision from Marvin Vettori.