Luke Rockhold vs Paulo Costa — Fight recap

Paulo Costa defeated Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision after three rounds on August 20, 2022, with referee Mike Beltran officiating. Costa landed 73 significant strikes at 70% accuracy compared to Rockhold's 51 at 72%, but the Brazilian's control time of 5:28 proved decisive against Rockhold's 0:47.

Costa successfully executed both of his takedown attempts (100%), while Rockhold managed only one of four (25%), establishing dominance on the mat. Rockhold's striking efficiency remained sharp—particularly his body work at 92% accuracy—yet Costa's superior grappling control and overall volume secured all three rounds on the judges' scorecards.

The result halts Rockhold's momentum in the middleweight division and reinforces Costa's positioning as a top contender.