Following his second setback of 2024, UFC middleweight contender Paulo Costa would appear to have at least one option already for his return to action.
While he impressed in defeat against one former champion in Robert Whittaker at UFC 298 this past February, the same can't be said for Costa's performance opposite another on June 1.
In the co-main event of UFC 302, "Borrachinha" looked to climb the ladder at the expense of Sean Strickland, who was making his first appearance since losing the title in Canada earlier this year.
Although the pair promised a bloody brawl during fight week, that was far from the case inside Prudential Center, with "Tarzan" ultimately emerging victorious from a lackluster affair.
In his first statement post-fight, Costa lamented his strategy and insisted that he will return to 'taking heads off' next time out. And it seems that one of Strickland's teammates is among those interested in given the Brazilian that opportunity...
Chris Curtis Interested In Costa Clash Upon Return From Injury
Having seen Costa receive heavy criticism from fans and analysts after his disappointing display in Newark on Saturday night, Chris Curtis took to social media with some words of encouragement.
"The Action Man" knows full well the struggle that comes with solving Strickland's unique style having gone numerous rounds with him in the training room. With that in mind, he sympathized with "Borrachinha."
And Curtis concluded his message with a proposal, offering to stand and bang with Costa upon his return from injury later this year.
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"Anybody who has sparred Strickland knows he is a weird style to deal with. @BorrachinhaMMA no shame man, it happens," Curtis wrote. "If you (want) someone in the middle and swing til someone goes down, I'm cleared soon and looking to fight in September. Would be an honour. @Mickmaynard2"
Curtis is currently on the shelf after suffering a torn hamstring late on in his memorable five-round war rematch Brendan Allen at the Apex this past April.
While that result kept him at #15 in the rankings, it stands to reason that Costa will need to fight down the pecking order next time out after slipping to #8 following his second defeat of 2024.