“Jon Jones Can Run But Can’t Hide”- Paulo Costa Targeting Multiple Weight Class Belts

Paulo Costa aims to add his name to an illustrious list of Brazilian champions in the UFC on September 26. The undefeated (13-0) star will face another undefeated fighter in Champion Israel Adesanya (19-0).

It is safe to say that the two fighters dislike each other. They have been going back and forth at each other for months now. “Inflated balloon animal” and “skinny” were their choice of pleasantries.

In his MMA career so far (13-0), Costa has gone the distance only once. Yoel Romero was the first man who could absorb the punches that 11 others could not handle. 

His win against perennial contender Yoel earned him his first title shot. Interestingly enough, Israel Adesanya’s first title defense was against Romero. The fight failed to live up to expectations and provided Costa with an excellent opportunity to critique the champ. “Israel Adesanya ‘is the most Shameful champion I’ve seen” said the Brazilian. 

With little under two weeks to go for the fight, the excitement is palpable. Both men have not tasted defeat before and both men are undefeated. The Middleweight belt and an undefeated record is on the line at UFC 253.

Paulo Costa has huge plans in the UFC

In a recent interview with Jimmy Smith on ESPN, Costa was asked, “I know your coach captain Eric, I’ve known him for a long time we go way back. You’re not a single champion kinda guy. You like multiple belts, you’re all about being the double champ being the triple champion. What are you thinking about beyond Israel Adesanya as big as that fight is”

To which, Costa’s head coach Albarracin replied –

“I would say that the initial goal, the main goal right now is going after Israel Adesanya, getting that belt. We got him figured out. We got his whole team figured out. I know what Volkanovski’s game is. I know Israel Adesanya’s game, Dan Hooker’s game. We got them figured out to a T. On September 26th Paulo Costa will erase Israel Adesanya. Then don’t be surprised if we’re going after that 205 belt either. Jon Jones can run but he can’t hide. 

Who do you think takes the first loss of their career at UFC 253? Adesanya or Costa?