As the highly anticipated matchup between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa approaches at UFC 302, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has weighed in on the pivotal factors shaping the bout.
On his YouTube channel, Bisping delved into the strategic elements favoring Strickland over Costa, highlighting their contrasting styles and strengths.
Bisping acknowledged Costa’s renowned power, emphasizing his ability to deliver devastating strikes. Drawing from personal experience training with Strickland, Bisping lauded the former champion’s proficiency in boxing, particularly his adeptness behind the jab.
Reflecting on Strickland’s standout performance against Israel Adesanya, Bisping underscored his technical prowess and nearly decisive first-round display.
Michael Bisping Analyzes Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa Clash at UFC 302
“Paulo Costa hits harder, I’m telling you right now. That’s my opinion anyway. I’ve trained with Sean Strickland, he’s got very good boxing. We know that, we saw that. When he beat Israel Adesanya, the best performance of his career, almost finished him in the first round, right. He will go out there, he will fight but his style is behind the jab,” Bisping remarked.
Highlighting the significance of the five-round co-main event, Bisping pointed to Strickland’s advantage in cardio due to his economical style. In contrast, he noted Costa’s aggressive approach and tendency to exert maximal effort in his strikes, potentially compromising his stamina over a longer duration.
“Paulo Costa is going to come forward a lot. I think Paulo Costa hits harder. But I think Sean has an advantage with the cardio. Let’s remember this is a five-round [co] main event. That is a significant advantage for Sean Strickland because he has an economic style. Paulo Costa swings with everything he has,” Bisping analyzed.
In addition to dissecting the upcoming clash, Bisping highlighted Strickland’s track record in five-round bouts, showcasing his ability to maintain high-level performance over extended durations.
From capturing titles in promotions like King of the Cage to securing victories in headline UFC fights, Strickland has demonstrated his resilience and endurance in championship-caliber matchups.
With Strickland’s impressive resume and strategic advantages in mind, Bisping’s analysis sets the stage for an intriguing showdown between two elite middleweights at UFC 302. As the fight draws near, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing how these dynamics will unfold inside the Octagon.
