UFC 298 card: Robert Whittaker vs. Paul Costa, predictions, odds and how to watch

Paul Costa is set to fight against former UFC Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the co-main event of the upcoming UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria. Whittaker is hoping to bounce back from the toughest fights in his MMA career, where he lost to Dricus du Plessis in UFC 290 via second-round TKO.

Paul Costa is seeking his chance at the middleweight title but he must defeat Whittaker first. His initial attempt to challenge Israel Adesanya in September 2020 was unsuccessful, but is confident that a win in UFC 298 will set him up in the best position to challenge for the belt.

Despite coming off a loss going into the bout, Whittaker is the favorite to defend underdog Costa.

UFC 298: Robert Whittaker vs. Paul Costa

Covers: Robert Whittaker to win by decision

Danny Howard writes: "If anyone has anything to prove about what’s left in the basement, it’s Costa. The long layoff coupled with his meandering performances over the last few years have dampened the hype around him. He’s pulled out of countless fights and is in a perpetual training camp. The Reaper should get back on track, and be motivated to prove he remains among the elite. Though Whittaker won’t get a stoppage, the completeness of his skills and Costa’s porous defense should be enough to notch him a decision win."

Pickswise: Whittaker Win by Decision

Staff writes: "The Co-Main Event at UFC 298 will see Robert Whittaker take on Paulo Costa. This will be a fight in the UFC Middleweight division. Whittaker comes into this fight with an MMA record of 25-7 and he is 15-5 in the UFC. Whittaker is averaging 4.47 significant strikes per minute, and has a striking accuracy of 42%. He is absorbing 3.39 strikes and has a striking defense of 60%. His grappling has been decent, averaging 0.85 takedowns per every 15 minutes. His takedown accuracy is 39% and his takedown defense is 82%."

Doc Sports:  Take Paulo Costa

Tony Sink writes: "In the last Octagon appearance for Paulo Costa, he went up against Luke Rockhold and took home the victory by unanimous decision in round 3. Rockhold ended up landing 94% of his significant strikes at distance and Costa landed 72% of the significant strikes he attempted from distance. Costa connected on 70% of his significant strikes attempted by landing 73 of 103. He landed 37 of 61 significant strikes to the head. Rockhold landed 51 of 70 significant strikes in that contest. Looking at the significant strike accuracy, he ended up connecting on 23 of 40 to the head. Discussing total strikes that he threw in that fight, Rockhold was 57 of 78 while Costa landed 106 of 137 total strikes."

UFC 298: Robert Whittaker vs. Paul Costa odds, total rounds

Robert Whittaker is the favorite to defeat Paulo Costa, according to the BetMGM odds.

All odds as of Thursday.

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How to watch UFC 298:

The main card event will commence on Sat. Feb. 17 at 10 p.m. ET.

However, the first fights will start at 6:30 p.m. ET. You can watch all the fights on ESPN+. The four prelim fights will also be broadcasted on ESPN before switching to pay-per-view (via ESPN+) for the main card.

How to watch: Catch UFC action with an ESPN+ subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Whittaker vs. Costa fight: Predictions, Odds, and How to Watch UFC 298