Costa understands the challenge that is presented when taking on the 37-year-old, but he believes this is his time to shine and that’s what he is going to do.
“It’s an exciting fight because he used to fight very well and he’s a former champion,” Costa said. “He’s a good guy, he’s popular, me as well, I think. We will fight and I’m motivated because I have a good challenge. He has a good body kick, he’s tall, he’s in good shape. I think this is what is impressive about him.”
FREE FIGHTS: Usman vs Masivdal 2 | Usman vs Edwards 1 | Costa vs Romero | Rockhold vs Weidman | Edwards vs Diaz | Usman vs Covington 2
How someone returns to the Octagon after being away for an extended period is always talked about, but you never really know how an athlete will perform until the Octagon door shuts. The No. 6 ranked middleweight contender has that same mentality about Rockhold’s return and is solely focused on putting on a show and making a statement.
“It can be a problem because if you think about this, maybe he can lose a little bit of his confidence, or not, but it’s not a major point,” Costa said. “It’s up to him. I don’t know his mind, but I await a very good challenge because I want to give a show; I am a showman.”
