OFFICIAL: Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 253

It was long speculated that Israel Adesanya will take on Paulo Costa in his second title defense sometime later this year. However, UFC surprised the fights fans after they made the news official. Israel Adesanya, who is undefeated inside the octagon will take on Paulo Costa on September 19th at UFC 253. Both the fighters were scheduled to meet early this year. However, the fight was called off, after Costa suffered an injury. Adesanya took on Yoel Romero at UFC 248, where he won the fight via unanimous decision.

However, Paulo Costa could well be the toughest opponent Adesanya has faced so far in his MMA career. Costa remains undefeated inside the octagon, and has notable victories over Johny Hendricks, Yoel Romero, and Uriah Hall.

Israel Adesanya will take on Paulo Costa at UFC 253

Paulo Costa has finished 11 opponents inside the octagon out of the 13 victories that he has inside the octagon. Costa is dangerous on his feet, and has great power in his hands. However, Adesanya isn’t the one to be ignored. The Stylebender has taken the MMA world by storm, and has already cemented his legacy as a middleweight GOAT.

Both the fighters have gone back and forth on social media, and have been passing comments since the last year. Adesanya’s return to the octagon after a lacklustre match against Yoel Romero, and Costa’s quest for middleweight gold definitely makes it a must watch fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 253?

It was earlier reported that Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje is under works for UFC 253 in September. While the news of Adesanya taking on Costa on the same card is a cherry on the cake, it remains to be seen whether UFC 253 will more than one title fights. Both the title matches are worty of headlining the PPV, however, only time will tell what’s in store for the UFC fans.

Meanwhile, there has been no confirmation regarding Khabib’s return to the octagon after his father’s demise. Dana White commented on the same, and showed confidence that Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight as per the initial plan.