Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa Get Into a Heated Altercation at Fight Island Presser

UFC Middleweight Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa are set to duke it out at UFC 253 in the headlining event. The aforementioned 185-pound fighters have been building up to a historic clash that has fight fans champing at the bit. Also, the two have bad blood brewing between them for a meaningful period. The MMA community is looking forward to a fiery clash when the two finally meet on September 26, 2020.

Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa have landed on Yas Fight Island and faced off for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, the two elite fighters sat at a press conference and things, once again, got heated fairly quickly. The back-and-forth exchange stemmed from a run-in they had in a hotel lobby, which was surprisingly pleasant. There was a quick hand-shake exchanged and fans of the sport were taken aback by the amicable interaction.

Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa heats up

However, it seems as though the aforementioned situation is a mere footnote in a confusing saga. At the pre-fight press conference, both fighters brushed off the exchange and were back in each other’s face.

“I didn’t have to walk back, but I did just to feel him. From a guy who said he wouldn’t shake my hand, he actually acted differently when I met him in person.”

‘The Eraser’ responded by mentioning the fact that it was in fact Adesanya that first extended his hand. “You gave your hand to me, I’m not a disrespectful guy like you.”

“Well, if you weren’t gonna shake my hand, why wouldn’t you slap it out of the way? I called you skinny like you’ve been calling me skinny.”

War of words

Additionally, both Middleweight fighters went back and forth about making the championship weight for the title fight. Israel Adesanya seemed certain that Costa would not name the required 185-pound weight limit.

“He’s never made 185 on the dot, every time you have that one pound allowance, and he’s already struggling. That one pound, that 600 grams is a lot, especially if you’ve never been there before. It’s never been an issue for me. I feel great, I don’t feel drawn out. I just like to relax when it’s fight week.”

Not to mention, Costa was quick to push back on the same and was sure that he would meet the mark come weigh-in day.

“I’ve been making 185, 3 years ago before the UFC. But my body has responded better than ever. I’m on a lower weight now than my most recent fight against Romero. My weight is going well, a lot of energy.”

It is safe to say the headliners for UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi aren’t too fond of each other. Moreover, along with the animosity comes a stylistic enigma that has fight fans excited. On paper, the event is locked in to be a contender for ‘Fight of the Year’.

Watch: Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa argue highlights: “Shut the fu*k up before I become your stepdad”