ORDER NOW! UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier, Saturday at 10pm ET on ESPN+ In a surprising twist, Brazilian fighters and analysts have predicted who their countrymen will face in the upcoming UFC bout. One of Brazil’s most popular MMA fighters, Paulo Costa (14-3), has Brazilian fans all excited for his return to the Octagon on Saturday. In the co-main event of UFC 302, “Borrachinha” will face former champion Sean Strickland (28-6) in a major five-round middleweight bout. After losing three of his last four bouts, the former title challenger enters the bout as the betting underdog. Sherdog reached out to six Brazilian coaches, fighters and analysts who gave their thoughts on this important 185-pound bout.
Vinicio Anthony (former head coach of Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida): “Strickland is really good. We paid him to help out at Lyoto’s camp a long time ago. I think it was for the Rockhold fight and I was really impressed. Not only with his offensive play, but also with his wrestling. He beat Lyoto a few times. Borrachinha has to control the distance with him and keep the fight in the mid and long range with his kicks. If he accepts the close-quarters brawl, Strickland will be a big hitter. [an] Advantage. When Costa went to help out at Belfort’s camp, I was really impressed with his ground game.
[the makings of] It’s going to be a five-round striking battle, but I’m looking forward to seeing these two guys compete on the ground.”
UFC fighter Caio Borrallo: “Firstly, I want to congratulate my wife, Tamara, on the great job she’s doing. [Costa’s]
Manager. Given their rankings and the match order, the match doesn’t make sense. I trained with both of them. In 2021, I [the] Future FC champion, Tamara, emailed me to help with his first camp [Robert]
I’m Whittaker. I stayed and sparred with Paulo for 10 days and it was really great. He trains really hard. We finished 5 rounds of sparring and then he did 8 rounds of punching bag training. I was also amazed at how much he puts into physiotherapy, stretching and warming up. I learned a lot in those 10 days I spent with him.
“Borrachinha is definitely a war tank who trains really hard. I trained a lot more with Strickland during my many visits to Extreme Couture. I easily did more than 20 rounds with him. Strickland surprised me a lot in the sparring sessions too. He has a unique fighting style and also a very high level of wrestling that I haven’t shown so far. I think Borrachinha’s strongest points are kicks to the head with both legs and kicks to the arms. To win, he will have to control the distance, use his kicks and avoid the boxing game with Strickland. I think Strickland’s big advantage is the pressure. He has good boxing. Also, if this is a five-round fight, I think he will have the gas advantage. I think Strickland will win.”
UFC fighter Renato Carneiro: “Sean Strickland has the advantage with his pressure and speed. He’s in full swing after the third round. Borrachinha is also very aggressive, but this fight is debatable.” [over] Round 5. I think Strickland will win.”
Mauricio Rufi, UFC fighter: “I don’t think Costa has much boxing skill. [time] “Borrallo takes his time to land his punches, giving his opponent time to close his guard. Strickland, on the other hand, has a fast jab. I’ve seen Strickland spar with Borrallo and I was really impressed. Everything this guy does is planned. His fights are very ugly to watch, but very efficient. He’s my favorite fighter on Saturday.”
Joylton Luterback, UFC fighter: “I think Borrachinha will win on points. He’s more dangerous against Borrachinha.” [Khamzat]
“I think Chimaev is a brawler. I think Borrachinha is more resistant and will win.”
Carlos Barreto, commentator for UFC Fight Pass Brazil: “Strickland comes at a great time. [Israel]
Adesanya lost a split decision to the new champion.
[Dricus]
Du Plessis. Paulo uses all the tools he has. [has not] Not displayed [the] The UFC is not ready yet. Everyone who has trained with him says he has a great ground game and now is the time to use it.
He is lethal when he backs his opponent up against the fence, but when he’s in the middle of the cage he only uses isolated strikes. [against] Whitaker. Sean [cornering his
opponent]”He’s very resistant, has better combinations and has a significant advantage at range. If Borrachinha changes his game and brings new tools, he has a chance to surprise Strickland, but as for the recent bouts between the two, I agree with the odds in favor of Strickland.”
