Paulo Costa is back in the win column at light heavyweight and already has his sights set on UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Costa stopped Azamat Murzakanov by TKO at UFC 327 in his return to 205 pounds, but despite the move up, he remains interested in another crack at the 185-pound title.
"Would I like a rematch with Strickland? Yes," Costa said, reflecting on his split-decision loss to the champion at UFC 302. He added, "It wasn't a good fight for either of us. My strategy was very wrong. I was technically and physically very well prepared, but tactically I wasn't adjusted properly. I kept moving backwards. I think I should have made it more of a firefight, stayed in the center of the octagon more, mixed punches, kicks and takedowns, made the fight messier. I'd definitely like a rematch. I think it makes sense."
Costa currently holds a 16-4 professional record, including 8-4 in the UFC, while Strickland sits at 31-7 overall and 18-7 in the promotion. Khamzat Chimaev is also focused on avenging his close decision loss to Strickland, though UFC president Dana White has been non-committal when asked about a potential Strickland–Chimaev rematch.
