Sean Strickland almost fought Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia but will face Paulo Costa at UFC 302 instead

Sean Strickland was supposed to have a match against Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia on June 22. However, the fight was canceled because of travel issues on Strickland’s side. Chimaev will now fight Robert Whittaker at the event, and Strickland will go up against Paulo Costa at UFC 302. UFC 302 will also include a main event for the lightweight world title between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. Costa’s most recent victory was against Luke Rockhold in August 2022.