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UFC 241 is likely going to be 2019’s frontrunner for PPV of the year. Stipe Miocic outsmarted and outhustled Daniel Cormier to reclaim his heavyweight title with his 15th career victory by stoppage. Nate Diaz proved why he remains such an invaluable draw for the UFC with a victory over Anthony Pettis and a hilarious post-fight interview. Cory Sandhagen (one of this writer’s favorite prospects) overcame the stiff test in tenured top 5 bantamweight Raphael Assuncao. Up and down the card, nearly every fight felt meaningful and engaging with several unforgettable moments.

Most unforgettable was the violent showcase put forth by two of the sport’s most terrifying athletic forces. I am of course talking about Yoel Romero and. Paulo Costa smashing each other into smithereens for fifteen minutes in one of the best fights of the year. The bout announced Paulo Costa as a monstrous up-and-comer at middleweight, and it reminded the masses why Yoel Romero is an inhuman force of nature. It was also very, very violent and muscular.

Costa Shows Up

Costa is a pressure fighter at his core, but there are elements of his game that are quite vicious worth pointing out. Firstly, Costa is exceptional at making the cage smaller for his opponent and cutting off their exits. As an especially large middleweight (who frankly might have an easier time at light heavyweight), he maintains his stance while pressuring, sticks opponents at the end of a long jab, and keeps his resets short.