In a recent episode of the Jaxxon podcast, UFC star Paulo Costa discussed the possibility of a grappling match against former UFC middleweight Luke Rockhold. The two have a history of verbal exchanges in addition to their MMA match, and fans have long been interested in seeing them compete against each other.
When asked about the potential matchup, Costa expressed interest, but with some caveats. He acknowledged Rockhold’s impressive grappling skills, stating, “Luke’s an amazing guy, but there’s something going on here.” Costa emphasized the need for a clear contract that would prevent any unwanted physical contact or “se*ual things” during the grappling match.
Paulo Costa vs Luke Rockhold | UFC 278 – MMA Fighter
Rockhold broke his nose during the fight and rubbed his blood all over Costa’s face. pic.twitter.com/hJ99vxqZV4
— Lux Aesthete (@Luxe_Aesthete) May 11, 2024
“We can’t do that fight if he can’t kiss me on the face or do anything like that. We need to make these terms very clear, very crystal clear,” Costa said, alluding to a previous incident where Rockhold allegedly got too close to him during a competition.
The Brazilian believes a grappling match between the two would be an incredible event for fans, and he’s confident in his own grappling abilities. “I think I’m better at losing my weight against the ground than my back on the ground,” Costa said, suggesting he would focus on passing Rockhold’s guard.
As the conversation shifted, Costa also discussed his recent loss to Marvin Vettori, acknowledging that he needs to regain his aggressive mindset that made him successful in the past. The former title challenger believes he can bounce back stronger, stating, “I’m just focused on changing this, bringing back this aggressive guy.”
“I just want to bring back this aggressive guy because what make me different, I think more different, my strong point is powerful, you know, so I cannot let this aside.”
Overall, the prospect of a grappling match between Costa and Rockhold has sparked excitement among MMA fans, and Costa appears open to the idea, as long as the proper precautions are in place to ensure a professional and respectful competition.
