Paulo Costa remains interested in a rematch with Sean Strickland, and he feels he’d give himself a better chance to earn the win this time.

Costa and Strickland shared the Octagon back in June 2024 at UFC 302. It was a rebound fight for Strickland, who saw his first world title run end thanks to Dricus du Plessis in the fight prior. Ultimately, Strickland defeated Costa via split decision.

“Borrachinha” has gone 2-0 since the defeat to Strickland, and he’s even dipped his toes in the light heavyweight waters. While Costa may have newfound success at 205 pounds, he told Compare.bet that he still has interest in a rematch with Strickland (via MMAJunkie).

“Would I like a rematch with Strickland? Yes,” Costa told Compare.bet. “It wasn’t a good fight for either of us. My strategy was very wrong. I was technically and physically very well prepared, but tactically I wasn’t adjusted properly. I kept moving backwards. I think I should have made it more of a firefight, stayed in the center of the octagon more, mixed punches, kicks and takedowns, made the fight messier. I’d definitely like a rematch. I think it makes sense.”

Strickland entered his second reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion thanks to his efforts against Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 328 main event. Just as he was when he first captured the 185-pound gold from Israel Adesanya, Strickland was a massive betting underdog against “Borz.” It didn’t matter as Strickland took Chimaev to deep waters and pulled off a split decision victory.

Costa’s most recent fight took place back in April. He stopped Azamat Murzakanov in the third round courtesy of a head kick.

What do you make of Paulo Costa wanting a rematch with Sean Strickland? Is that a good idea for Costa, or should he stick around in the light heavyweight division? Join in on the conversation by dropping a comment below.