Middleweight Resurgence: Paulo Costa's Path Forward
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Paulo Costa looked impressive in defeat. It was against Robert Whittaker last weekend at UFC 298. The Brazilian has been fighting injuries for some time. He put on a good showing against Whitaker. The middleweight division is very open now. Costa always has a chance to fight back to the title.
The Career Of Paulo Costa
Costa has been a top middleweight in the UFC for many years now. The Brazilian is a middleweight title challenger. He has produced many big results in the Octagon. He has a professional record of 14-3 with 12 finishes. Costa looks unbeatable when he pressures his opponent. He only gives them a little room to breathe. It was a competitive fight against Whittaker. The Australian had his hand raised. The middleweight division is very open now, and there are a lot of fighters at a similar level. It means that with some big wins, Costa is back in the title hunt fast.
What Makes Him Great
Costa has tremendous striking skills and can knock out anyone the UFC puts before him. As stated before, he's most efficient when he pushes the pace and puts people on the back foot. Yet, Costa, who is 32 years old, maintains balance due to his skill on the ground and his strong striking ability. He can beat the very best in the division and become a champion. Costa is only 32, which means he still has time to develop as a fighter and make an impact in the UFC.
What’s Next
Looking at what's next for Costa, there are a few exciting options for the Brazilian. He could fight Jared Cannonier, as both competitors want to return to a title opportunity. A rematch with Marvin Vettori at 185 could be interesting. It's because the last time he faced the Italian was at 205. Finally, he could face Khamzat Chimaev as the two were meant to meet at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Costa is a great fighter, and it will be interesting to see his future.