A video grab surfaced that saw title challenger Paulo Costa in chiseled shape ahead of UFC 253. The Brazilian power-puncher is arguably one of the best-kept fighters in the UFC, and perhaps in the sport. Also, his physique being what it is, has drawn skepticism from fighters.
“The Eraser” will face Israel Adesanya for the undisputed Middleweight crown in the promotion’s return to Fight Island. The fight is being touted as the “Fight of the Year” by long-time UFC boss Dana White. From a stylistic perspective, the scrap promises to provide an interesting narrative that has fans excited.
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Paulo Costa: All guns blazing
The undefeated brawler in Costa has constantly called out the champion Israel Adesanya for being skinny. The two elite fighters have gone back and forth and have debated the impact of their respective physiques going into the fight. Moreover, the two had a surprisingly friendly encounter in the hotel where the conversation about physique came out again.
Running into each other in Abu Dhabi, @stylebender told @BorrachinhaMMA he looked "skinny," while Costa corrected Adesanya to say he was "lean, never skinny."
(via @WallidJfc) pic.twitter.com/Wr4qDJ8RYJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 20, 2020
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Paulo Costa wasn’t too pleased by “The Last Stylebender’s” comments on Twitter and the recent video grab seems to reiterate that. Costa doubled down on the fact that he is lean heading into the fight. Fans have been closely watching the aforementioned fighters to draw an idea as to the likely victor in their fight.
Spirit strong in ice bath 🧊 pic.twitter.com/Zj8YY4iyOl
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 23, 2020
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Regardless of their physiques, both fighters’ styles are enough to pique a larger interest in the bout. Paulo Costa relies on heavy forward pressure and is relentless when it comes to being the aggressor. Not to mention, Israel Adesanya prefers to hang back on the back foot and counter strike for the most part.
Fans and pundits have compared the fight to a bull and a matador, with Israel going in as the favorite. Despite the stark contrast in their individual styles, there’s no denying that the bout is a certified banger on paper. As the countdown to UFC 253’s main event begins, fight fans are pining for an opportunity to watch the Middleweight’s clash.