5 best UFC fights to look forward to in August

#2. Paulo Costa vs. Luke Rockhold - UFC 278

Paul Costa (pictured) and Luke Rockhold have a combined record of 29-7

The bout between Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold was meant to take place at UFC 277 but has since been re-scheduled to August 20. It remains a very intriguing match-up, given fans never know what they'll get from Costa. Rockhold, on the other hand, hasn't fought at middleweight since 2018.

The former middleweight champion admits he is likely towards the end of his career, yet he still hopes he can turn the clock back to the form that saw him win gold. While Costa has plenty of years' worth of tread on his tires, he will have to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori.

Costa and Rockhold have two contrasting personalities. Luke is more clinical and technique-oriented — Costa charges forward to initiate wild exchanges. Whoever wins will become the dark horse of the division, whilst either fighter's stock will take a big hit with a loss.

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#1. Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili - UFC 278

Jose Aldo (pictured ; right) and Merab Dvalishvili have a combined record of 45-11

Many thought Jose Aldo was done after he lost to Petr Yan for the UFC bantamweight championship. However, he has since rebounded with three impressive wins and is now on the verge of securing another title opportunity.

Standing in his way will be the talented Georgian grappler Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili is on a seven-fight winning streak that has seen him become the boogeyman of the division, with few fighters expressing interest in taking him on. The fact Aldo even took this fight shows how focused he is on winning UFC gold once more.

Aldo vs. Dvalishivili will be a classic striker vs. grappler affair but remains a highly intriguing one. Both fighters have a lot riding on the outcome of this bout, and they seem evenly matched on paper. Above all fights in August, this one stands out as one that is not to be missed.