As Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa prepare to face each other at UFC 302, it’s insightful to look at their worst performances in the UFC. These fights highlight moments where their strategies faltered and provide lessons on what they need to avoid in their upcoming bout.
Sean Strickland: UFC 276 vs. Alex Pereira
Event: UFC 276
Date: July 2, 2022
Result: Strickland loses via knockout (1st round)
Details:
Fight Overview:
Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier headlined UFC 276, with Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira as the featured bout. Strickland entered the fight as a slight favorite, and the winner was set to earn a title shot against the middleweight champion.
What Went Wrong:
Strickland’s biggest mistake was his decision to stand and strike with Alex Pereira, a highly credentialed kickboxer and former two-division Glory Kickboxing Champion. Despite his grappling being a clear path to victory, Strickland chose to engage in a striking battle with Pereira. This decision proved costly as Pereira knocked Strickland out cold with a brutal left hook, his signature weapon, in the first round.
Consequences:
Strickland’s loss not only cost him a title shot but also highlighted a strategic error in his approach. The fight underscored the importance of playing to one’s strengths and not underestimating an opponent’s expertise in their preferred fighting style.
Lessons Learned:
Strategic Missteps: Strickland needs to utilize his grappling skills, especially against opponents with superior striking.
Adaptability: Recognize and adapt to the strengths of opponents to avoid falling into their traps.
Paulo Costa: UFC 253 vs. Israel Adesanya
Event: UFC 253
Date: September 27, 2020
Result: Costa loses via TKO (2nd round)
Details:
Fight Overview:
The fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 was highly anticipated, with both fighters entering the bout undefeated. It was expected to be Adesanya’s toughest test, given Costa’s aggressive fighting style and power.
What Went Wrong:
Costa failed to impose his usual aggressive style and struggled to navigate Adesanya’s range and precision striking. He seemed tentative and unable to mount any significant offense. Adesanya’s superior technique and strategy were evident, and he systematically dismantled Costa, finishing the fight via TKO in the second round.
Consequences:
The loss was devastating for Costa, marking the first defeat of his career. His inability to adapt and assert his usual pressure fighting was a significant factor in his poor performance. Additionally, Costa later claimed that he had difficulty sleeping and consumed a large amount of wine before the fight, which allegedly affected his performance.
Lessons Learned:
Preparation: Ensuring optimal physical and mental preparation before a fight is crucial.
Aggression: Costa needs to maintain his aggressive style but with strategic adjustments to handle elite opponents like Adesanya.
Both Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa have faced significant setbacks in their careers, with strategic errors and preparation issues contributing to their worst performances. For Strickland, avoiding reckless striking against superior strikers is key, while Costa needs to maintain his aggressive approach but with more strategic precision. Their upcoming bout at UFC 302 will be a test of how well they have learned from their past mistakes and can implement improved strategies in the octagon.
