Robert Whittaker got back into the win column with a fantastic performance against the returning Paulo Costa in their UFC 298 co-main event.
The opening round was fairly competitive with Whittaker gaining a small advantage via a series of nasty calf kicks to Costa’s lead leg. However, ‘The Eraser’ appeared to steal the round with a perfectly timed spinning heel kick in the closing seconds that had Whittaker on rubber legs. Despite being bloodied and battered, Whittaker appeared to be the fresher fighter throughout the second round.
‘The Reaper’ continued to attack Costa’s leg and blasted the one-time title challenger…
In the first, Costa pressed the action early but ate some stiff leg kicks from Whittaker. Both men fired off kicks, with Costa bringing them up high. Whittaker found big success with his lead hooks as Costa tried to establish his jab. Whittaker landed a massive right on Costa, who found more success at the end of the round. At the end of the round, Costa landed a massive spinning heel kick, which rocked Whittaker badly.
Paulo’s spinning heel kick tho 😎 #UFC298
قبضت على ركلة باولو بالكعب الدوار 😎#UFC298 pic.twitter.com/hfQW3xYXjQ
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 18, 2024
The second round started similarly to the second, with both men chopping each other’s legs. An eye poke briefly stopped the action, but Whittaker got right back into it. Whittaker lit Costa up with a good combination but ate a partial high kick from Costa. Whittaker connected with a huge right hand as Costa started to slow down in the fight.
Robert Whittaker Defeats Paulo Costa Via Close Unanimous Decision #UFC298.
روبرت ويتاكر يهزم باولو كوستا بقرار إجماعي pic.twitter.com/QROLY3yCre
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 18, 2024
An early right-hand gets through for Costa, who eats another leg kick. A big knee got through for Costa, starting the round strong. Most of the round was a toss-up until the final minute, with Whittaker pulling ahead.
