Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Anaheim, California, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker will take on Paulo “The Eraser” Topuria in the Middleweight bout. You can view the complete UFC 298 card.

Whittaker brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 73″ reach. In contrast, Topuria, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 72″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 42% striking accuracy, Whittaker has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 4.47 per minute. On the other hand, Topuria boasts a 60% striking accuracy, landing approximately 6.5 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 33-year-old, Robert Whittaker is coming in with a 25-7-0 record. Whittaker will be fighting for the first time since a loss via KO/TKO against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez in July.

Topuria, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Robert Whittaker on July 8, 2023, at UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards and holds a 14-2-0 record.

Robert Whittaker has a orthodox fighting stance with an 73″ reach. The 32-year-old Paulo Costa is an orthodox fighter with a 72″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Robert Whittaker stats

→ Whittaker’s striking accuracy is 42%.
→ Whittaker lands 4.47 significant strikes per minute.
→ Whittaker’s takedown accuracy is 39%.
→ Whittaker’s takedown average is 0.85 per 15 minutes.
→ Whittaker’s takedown defense is 82%.

Whittaker comes in with 42% striking accuracy, typically landing about 4.47 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Topuria fires at 60% accuracy, landing about 6.5 significant strikes per minute. Robert Whittaker also has a 39% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 0.85 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Topuria’s 0.53 takedowns and 79% takedown accuracy.

Paulo Costa stats

→ Topuria’s striking accuracy is 60%.
→ Topuria lands 6.5 significant strikes per minute.
→ Topuria’s takedown accuracy is 75%.
→ Topuria’s takedown average is 0.53 per 15 minutes.
→ Topuria’s takedown defense is 79%.

Paulo spent, on average, 10:40 minutes in the Octagon, and Robert has an average fight time of 14:04 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an entertaining clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Robert or Paulo? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 298 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.