Official result – Whittaker wins by unanimous decision over Costa (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER @RobWhittakerMMA takes home the UD in our #UFC298 co-main event! pic.twitter.com/S41tTqNWQv
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
The UFC featherweight title is on the line and highlights the main card of UFC 298 taking place this Saturday, February 17 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The PPV event kicks off with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass followed by prelims at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+. To close out the show, main card coverage begins at 10 p.m. on ESPN+ PPV.
In the co-main event, #3 Robert Whittaker and #6 Paulo Costa will clash in a battle of top-10 middleweights. Whittaker enters as the betting favorite with -225 odds to win, while Costa has +185 odds to win. The favored method of victory is Whittaker to win by decision (+110), according to Draftkings Sportsbook.
We’ll be providing live updates throughout the fight with round-by-round scoring until a winner is determined.
Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa round-by-round results
Round 1 — Costa 10-9
High kick from Costa connects and he follows up with a second. Whittaker strikes back with a left jab. Counter right from Whittaker. Whittaker steps forward and tries another right. Noticeable swelling on the left shin of Costa early. Nice combo from Whittaker. Spinning right kick from Costa ROCKS Whittaker he stumbles, three seconds on the clock and he’s saved by the bell! What a kick. Entertaining opening round of action.
PAULO COSTA AT THE END OF THE FIRST OMG #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/9rtiaZOWC6
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 18, 2024
Round 2 — Whittaker 10-9 (19-19)
Whittaker springs forward with a double jab. Low kick to the body connects for Costa. Right kick from Whittaker and Costa urging him on a bit. Whittaker now bleeding from his nose. One-two from Whittaker lands clean. Whittaker snaps a nice left hook and Costa taunts once again.
Round 3 — Whittaker 10-9 (Whittaker 29-28)
Right hand from Costa, Whittaker responds with a left. Right hand from Whittaker. Knee to the body from Costa. Costa points to the ground, asking Whittaker to trade. Costa attempts another right kick but misses this time. Whittaker with another precise left hand. Close fight but Whittaker just by a slim margin.