“I Shouldn’t Have Fought Israel Adesanya”- Paulo Costa Finally Answers Injury Questions

Paulo Costa is looking to get back to title contention. After putting in a dismal performance and coming up short against champion Israel Adesanya, he is looking to make amends. 

Costa and Adesanya headed off to Fight Island for UFC 253. The two would be the main event of the card in a highly anticipated match up with Dana White, even calling it the biggest fight of the year.

However, the fight disappointed all those who hoped for a competitive outing. ‘The Last Stylebender’ trounced ‘Borrachinha’ and finished him in the second round. 

Costa entered the octagon with multiple marks on his leg. Stylebender who has a supreme fighting IQ targeted that same leg repeatedly. This helped Adesanya restrict the challenger’s movement and pick him apart.

Costa regrets fighting Israel Adesanya injured

Costa opened up on his showing at UFC 253. He said, “Maybe I could have used more in the Adesanya fight, but many things happened before that fight. I don’t like to talk because it might sound like an excuse, but I had no sleep, my leg was totally impaired, and I shouldn’t have fought, I should have postponed it for the next weekend or more.”

“Borrachinha” is now looking to make his way back to title contention.

Costa would appear on his YouTube channel to give an insight into his future. The Brazilian KO artist still wants to face Israel Adesanya. He claimed that ‘Izzy’ was an agile and fast fighter but vowed it would end differently the next time as Adesanya didn’t convince him. 

‘Borrachinha’ noted, “It’s hard to say, I lost to him and won’t be right. I can say whatever I want and I won’t be right, it will sound salty, but, in reality, he doesn’t convince me. I can fight him 10 times and all 10 times will be different.”

However, he will not be able to battle his UFC 253 opponent for a while and has turned his attention to other challenges.

Paulo Costa vs Robert Whittaker in the works

The Brazilian and his team have been trying to push for an immediate rematch. But, with Adesanya vs Blachowicz currently in negotiations, Costa has turned his attention to ‘The Reaper’.

The former middleweight championship challenger confirmed the same and stylistically it would be an intriguing fight. A win against the former champion would bring “Borrachinha” back into title contention.

It is unclear if the fight would be for the interim title with Adesanya focused on the light heavyweight title.

Also Read: Paulo Costa Changes Targets- Calls Out Robert Whittaker Next