Expert prediction
UFC 298: Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Feb 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Robert Whittaker lost to Dricus Du Plessis by technical knockout in his last fight.
- Paulo Costa and Du Plessis share the record for most strikes per minute in the UFC Middleweight Division (6.49).
Judging by the Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa odds, the UFC 298 co-main event is going to be a real barnburner. The former UFC Middleweight Champion Whittaker is the betting favorite, but Costa’s recent training footage shows him in top form. Maybe he can upset the odds?
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, February 17, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Honda Arena, Anaheim (Los Angeles), California
- How to Watch: PPV
Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker | |
| Paulo Costa |
Fight Preview
Robert Whittaker (24-7) has been fighting professionally since 2009, and since 2014, he’s been fighting in the UFC Middleweight Division. He’s fought who’s who of the 185-pound division, including Yoel Romero, Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier, Marvin Vettori, and Dricus du Plessis.
The fight with Du Plessis was his last fight. It was a title elimination fight, which the South African won by TKO, and then went on to become the champ. Whittaker now wants to bounce back, but it won’t be easy against Paulo Costa (14-2) who looks shredded.
The Brazilian is a big middleweight, who’s fought one Light Heavyweight fight so far – and lost to Marvin Vettori by decision. His only loss in the Middleweight Division, however, was a TKO loss to Israel Adesanya in the title fight in 2020.
After those two losses, Borrachinha got back on the winning track with a decision win over Luke Rockhold in what was the former champ’s final fight in the UFC. It happened in the summer of 2022, meaning that Costa hasn’t fought for a year and a half. Does he have ring rust?
Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa Prediction
Whittaker has a much more impressive portfolio than his next opponent, but we don’t think he should underestimate Costa. Sure, he hasn’t fought in a while, but based on the footage he’s shared on social media, he’s in top shape.
READ ALSO: UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Feb 17)
Plus, he seems to be the kind of fighter Whittaker doesn’t do great against. Costa lands 6.49 significant strikes a minute, which is the same number as Du Plessis who beat Whittaker by a TKO last year.
Free Pick:
MMA
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