UFC 302: Sean Strickland sparring former 205-pound UFC champion in preparation for Paulo Costa clash
It appears as though Sean Strickland is getting great sparring rounds in training as he was recently seen sparring with a former UFC light heavyweight champion ahead of his bout against Paulo Costa. The former middleweight champion is looking to get back in the title picture at 185 pounds, however, the Brazilian stands in his way.
'Tarzan' lost his middleweight championship via split decision after a hard-fought bout against Dricus du Plessis that could've gone either way. Based on reports that Israel Adesanya will receive the next title shot, Strickland will take on the No. 7 ranked Costa at UFC 302.
The former UFC middleweight champion has been known to venture outside his gym and get sparring rounds in with the likes of Alex Pereira and Johnny Eblen. He appears to be doing the same ahead of his bout against Costa as Championship Rounds tweeted a clip and photo of Strickland sparring with Jamahal Hill.
The clip was captioned:
"Sean Strickland spars with Jamahal Hill in preparation for his fight against Paulo Costa at #UFC302 [curious emoji]"
Check out Sean Strickland and Jamahal Hill sparring below:
Sean Strickland and Jamahal Hill both competing in the same month
Sean Strickland and Jamahal Hill sparring is logical as both former UFC champions are assisting one another while they compete in their respective bouts within June.
'Tarzan' and 'Sweet Dreams' are in similar situations as they are both looking to get back into the title picture of their respective weight division after losing their title. Strickland is preparing for his bout against No. 7 ranked middleweight Paulo Costa, which is scheduled for this Saturday at UFC 302.
Meanwhile, Hill is coming off his loss to reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and is making a quick turnaround. He was originally scheduled to fight Khalil Rountree in the co-main event of UFC 303 on June 29, but will now fight Carlos Ulberg after 'The War Horse's' suspension.
Check out the full video of Strickland's training session below: