Coach: With Sean Strickland Booked, Paulo Costa Has Turned Attention to Derek Brunson

For nearly three months, Paulo Costa insisted on a rematch with Marvin Vettori, a fight that didn’t make much since to either Vettori or the UFC.

That focus shifted after Sean Strickland defeated Jack Hermansson via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 200 in February and then challenged the Brazilian on social media. By the time “Borrachinha” responded to Strickland’s callout, it was too late. Strickland is now expected to face Alex Pereira at UFC 277 on July 30.

Carlos Borracha, Costa’s brother and head coach, discussed Costa’s next move backstage after Jungle Fight 106 with PVT journalist Leonardo Fabri.

“Strickland challenged ‘Borrachinha’ a long time ago, [but] when He accepted, Strickland ran from us and they ended up giving him to ‘Poatan,’” Borracha said. “Strickland chickened out, but we have other ranked fighters in our target like [Derek] Brunson.

“We truly hope Brunson keeps his word and doesn't run like Strickland did,” Borracha said. “Actually, Brunson already challenged ‘Borrachinha,’ and now it’s the best time for that fight to happen.”