Paulo Costa is set to take on former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland at UFC 302. The clash between the two is highly anticipated by MMA fans as the winner of this bout may find themselves in the division’s title run. As we inch closer to the event on June 1, let’s have a look at Costa’s walkaround weight.

‘The Eraser’ had a long layover before he returned to action at UFC 298. As such, fans are concerned about his ability to cut down to the 185 lbs weight class. Consequently, let’s take a look at the times when Paulo Costa’s walk-around weight was shared by UFC CEO Dana White and when he found an unlikely ally to help with his weight cut!

Paulo Costa Fight Night weight revealed by Dana White

At UFC Vegas 41 in 2021, Dana White disclosed Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori‘s weights. Originally set for a 185lbs middleweight bout, Costa had failed to make the stipulated weight to compete in the weight class.

Costa was also given the option to contest the bout at a catchweight of 195 lbs. but he failed to cut down to that limit either. Therefore, the bout was contested at the light-heavyweight or 205 lbs. weight class instead.

Due to him missing the weight limit, Costa was also forced to give 30% of his earnings from the event to his opponent, Vettori. When asked about their weights by reporters, UFC CEO Dana White revealed, “I think Vettori was 208lbs and Costa was 220lbs”.

The weight miss prompted the UFC boss to exclaim that Costa may not be competing in the middleweight division moving forward, but the Brazilian has seemingly got his weight issues under control. And for his clash against Luke Rockhold, he sought help from a fighter that has caused eyebrows to be raised with his transformation between fights!

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Costa cuts 40 pounds with Paddy Pimblett’s help

For his bout at UFC 278 in 2022 with Luke Rockhold, Costa had guaranteed fans and reporters that he would not miss weight. And to deliver on his promise, he enlisted the help of British MMA star, Paddy Pimblett!

Pimblett had previously drawn attention with his ridiculous transformation between fights. He has been seen on social media showcasing a physique that is a far cry from his in-ring shape. As such, before the Rockhold fight, Costa exclaimed,” Yeah, he (Pimblett) gave me a few instructions, man, if you look for me and Paddy, it’s not a joke anymore. We have to cut a lot of weight in a short time.”

Costa did indeed step into the cage as a middleweight and secured a decision victory over 3 rounds over the former UFC middleweight champion, Rockhold.

In conclusion, Paulo Costa seems to have found a reliable way to ensure that he is cutting down from his walk-around weight to compete in his chosen weight class. And at UFC 302, the fans will be looking forward to seeing Costa make his long-awaited return to the winning column inside the Octagon!  

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