UFC treated MMA fans around the world when after they made Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa official for the UFC Middleweight championship at UFC 253 come September. Adesanya will take on Costa in his second title defense, after a lackluster win against Yoel Romero early this year. Paulo Costa is coming of a unanimous decision win over Yoel Romero at UFC 241, and hasn’t competed inside the octagon for over an year now. Initially scheduled to face Adesanya, Costa pulled out of the bout due to an injury.
Israel Adesanya has been vocal about the match-up since the very start, and would like to shut his critics with an emphatic win over the undefeated Costa. Adesanya will also look to prove to many UFC fans out there, who criticized his performance against Yoel Romero. However, Paulo Costa won’t be an easy opponent for Adesanya to beat, and the Stylebender will have to be at his absolute best to emerge victorious.
Can Paulo Costa dethrone Israel Adesanya?
Paulo Costa looks huge for a middleweight fighter. He is tall, bulky, and ripped. Costa has an incredible striking game, with ferocious power and a granite chin which withstood the war from Yoel Romero. He is equally brilliant on the ground, with sharp kicks, and above average submission game. Needless to say, it will be a striking battle when Paulo Costa takes on Israel Adesanya at UFC 253 this September.
Both the fighters have gone back and forth on social media on numerous occasions. While it’s too early to call it a grudge match, Adesanya has quoted this to be the toughest challenge, and expects action on feet from Costa.
I have been training since I did the surgery 1 yr ago.
I’m like a beast now, just hungry and obsessed.
🇧🇷
Tenho treinado todos os dias desde a minha cirurgia há exatos 1 ano atrás. Agora eu estou uma máquina melhorada, faminto obcecado. pic.twitter.com/9CvKD1dcMw— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 19, 2020
Costa took to Twitter, and sent a fierce warning to Israel Adesanya. Needless to say, he looks absolutely jacked, and ready to take on Israel Adesanya.
Adesanya’s bid to prove to the world after UFC 248 and Costa’s quest for the middleweight gold makes it a must watch fight. Costa is a dangerous fighter who remains undefeated inside the octagon. He has finished 11 of his 13 opponents, and continues to be one of the biggest threats to the division. It remains to be seen if Costa can dethrone Adesanya and grab the middleweight gold. Both the fighters are undefeated, and it’s almost certain that one fighter will taste defeat for the first time inside the octagon.
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