Henry Roldán
Everything is set for UFC 278 in Salt Lake City on Saturday, August 20, an event that promises extremely even and exciting battles such as Paulo Costa vs Luke Rockhold in the main card and for middleweight.
Both fighters have a lot of experience in the octagon and that could be a good sign that we will see a great fight, with Costa trying to get back to winning ways and Rockhold returning to action after a three-year absence.
Picks and predictions for the Paulo Costa vs Luke Rockhold UFC 278 fight on August 20th 2022
- Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- When: Saturday, August 20, 2022, 10 PM ET.
- Odds: Paulo Costa (-275) vs Luke Rockhold (+225).
Paulo Costa
- Odds: -275.
- Record:13-2-0.
- Age: 31.
- Height: 1.85 m.
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Reach: 1.83 m.
The 31-year-old Brazilian comes into this fight as a favorite, despite not having been on a hot streak: after winning his first 13 fights as a professional, he lost his last two,including one in 2020 against Israel Adesanya, for the category title.
Paulo Costa is a very fast fighter with incredible punch strength, but what he has in his favor this time is his opponent’s lack of activity, who has not fought in three years despite having a superb career. Taking advantage of the fact that he’s more prepared, the powerful fighter should try to end Rockhold as quickly as possible while leaving no opportunity for reaction.
Luke Rockhold
- Odds: +225.
- Record:16-5-0.
- Age: 37.
- Height:1.91 m.
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Reach: 1.96 m.
Former champion Luke Rockhold is hoping to make a comeback in a big way after not seeing action since 2019, when he lost for the third straight time. To do so, he can capitalize on the fact that his opponent isn’t at his best and exploit it.
After winning his title in 2015, the American fell apart and failed to get out of the pit. However, a win over Costa could return him to his former status and put him in the running for a possible divisional championship fight. What exactly are his assets? Prestigious footwork that allows him to throw opponents off balance. The key? Avoiding a lethal strike from Costa, as his problem has always been defense.
JefeBet Prediction
Luke Rockhold is extremely experienced in the octagon. His footwork and skill was among the best in the UFC and he will try to bring it back to shine again on the circuit. However, age takes its toll and so does lack of action.
Paulo Costa is not at his best, but he has pace, he’s younger and has a powerful physique capable of quickly crushing his opponents. Although Ruckhold surpasses him in size, in skill and strength, he lags a bit behind.
Pick: Paulo Costa by decision.
