In a thrilling middleweight clash at UFC 298’s co-main event in Anaheim, California, former champion Robert Whittaker delivered an exceptional performance against Paulo Costa, despite a late scare in the first round.
The fight promised action from the outset, with both fighters displaying powerful kicks and sharp left-hand jabs. Whittaker’s strategy focused on attacking Costa’s legs, while Costa aimed high with his kicks. Maintaining a fast pace, Whittaker controlled the center of the Octagon, utilizing his darting punches to keep Costa on the defensive.
As the first round neared its end, Costa unleashed a spinning heel kick that landed squarely on Whittaker’s jaw, momentarily staggering him. However, Whittaker managed to survive the round, showcasing his resilience.
Entering the second round, Whittaker continued with his aggressive approach, landing hard shots on Costa despite the latter’s smiling response.
Costa, in turn, maintained pressure with his jab, causing blood to trickle from Whittaker’s nose. A brief pause occurred when Costa accidentally poked Whittaker’s eye, but the action quickly resumed.
Throughout the round, Whittaker’s leg kicks took a toll on Costa’s movement, while his counterpunching skills became increasingly effective. Despite Costa’s efforts, Whittaker’s dominance persisted, securing him a well-deserved victory with judges’ scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27.
This win marks a significant comeback for Whittaker, who bounced back after his previous loss to current champion Dricus Du Plessis. Since relinquishing the title to Israel Adesanya in 2019, Whittaker has maintained his status as one of the top contenders in the competitive middleweight division, boasting a record of 5-2.
