Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa delivered an instant classic in the co-main event of UFC 298 on Saturday night, as the former champion Whittaker gutted out a hard-fought, bloody unanimous decision victory over the power-punching Costa after three rounds of back-and-forth action.
In a fight that will be remembered as one of the greatest in UFC middleweight history, Whittaker survived nearly being finished on multiple occasions to come back and earn the win. Both fighters left everything in the cage, battling through adversity and punishment that would have wilted lesser men.
The opening frame set the tone, as Costa came out aggressively stalking Whittaker while swinging deadly hooks. Whittaker remained composed, using his jab and snapping leg kicks to slow Costa’s advance. Just when it appeared Whittaker was pulling away, a wheel kick from Costa crashed against his temple, badly rocking the Australian as the round ended.
Showing championship mettle, Whittaker recovered and established his rhythm in a crucial second round, sticking the jab repeatedly into Costa’s face while continuing to chop his lead leg. With his right eye swelling grotesquely, Costa never stopped marching forward, eager to land fight-altering shots. The Brazilian seemed to hurt Whittaker late in the round but could not find the kill. Additionally, you can also read about- How UFC Fighters Cut Weight?
Heading into the final stanza with the fight up for grabs, the arena was at a fever pitch, wondering who could dig deeper in the championship rounds. Fatigue set in for both warriors, yet neither was willing to take a step backwards. Whittaker avoided Costa’s winging punches while scoring points with well-timed combinations. Blood streaming down his face, almost to the point of being stopped, Costa never stopped swinging for the finish, wobbbling the former champ yet again before the final bell.
In the end, Whittaker’s resilience and discipline under fire earned him the decision. After 25 minutes of back-and-forth warfare that brought the crowd to its feet, there was nothing but respect between the two competitors. Whittaker proved his championship mettle and heart, while Costa showcased the otherworldly power and toughness that have made him a feared contender. It was the type of contest that shows why fans love this sport—two elite athletes leaving every ounce of themselves in the Octagon while taking each other to the brink.
Fights like Whittaker vs. Costa represent everything that is great about mixed martial arts. With his hard-fought victory, Whittaker puts himself right back into the title picture, while Costa undoubtedly earned even more respect. Overall, the main question is simple: after performances like that, who would not want to see them run it back again?
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