Paulo Costa vs Sean Strickland — Fight recap

Sean Strickland defeated Paulo Costa via split decision after five rounds on June 1, 2024, in a striking-heavy middleweight bout. Costa landed 158 significant strikes at 59% accuracy, demonstrating superior output and efficiency, particularly with 84 body strikes that targeted Strickland's midsection consistently.

Strickland countered with 182 significant strikes at 45% accuracy, landing 104 to the head while maintaining a volume-based approach across five rounds. Neither fighter attempted takedowns or accumulated meaningful control time, making this a pure striking affair where Costa's precision competed against Strickland's volume and head-hunting strategy.

The split decision outcome reflected the competitive nature of the exchanges, with judges divided on whether Costa's cleaner, more economical striking or Strickland's aggressive output and head engagement deserved the nod. The loss marked a significant setback for Costa's middleweight title aspirations, while Strickland's victory positioned him as a rising contender in the division.