Israel Adesanya Says He’s Going Bring “The Bruce Lee S***” Against Paulo Costa

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has his next opponent in the form of the Brazilian brute Paulo Costa.

Costa is one of the most powerful fighters on the roster. Also, he is known for his vicious punches and the ability to knock out opponents with ease.

However, Adesanya isn’t concerned about his opponent’s raw strength. Israel, while revealing some interesting thoughts on power punchers, believed he can generate enough power to knock anyone out. He stated that the match will play in his favor, as he’s faster and sharper than the buff Brazilian.

Israel Adesanya is not concerned about Paulo Costa’s knockout power

“If Paulo Costa is an 8 and Derek Brunson is a 6, you only need a 3/4 to KO someone and you can’t feel the rest anyway due to adrenaline. So, it’s the same. I think it’s great for me, it’s that aesthetic of it, I’m this skinny person, this little frail kid that everyone looks at.

“And he looks like the perfect antagonist, he’s big, bulky and juiced up to the f*cking gills.

“ He’s a guy that beats everybody on the fence, so when I come out there with the Bruce Lee sh*t and f*ck him up, it’s going to be ‘oh my god wow, he beat that big muscle boy,” said Adesanya.

The New Zealand native, one of the most popular fighters on the roster, believes a win over Costa would propel him onto a much bigger stage.

However, Adesanya isn’t one of the highest-paid fighters in the promotion. A win over Costa will give Adesanya the opportunity of getting a bumper fight contract.

“Like the casuals are going to feed off of it, and I love that because it means more eyes, more attention.

“And like I said, you don’t have to watch my fights, but you’re going to pay, and I’m not talking money, I’m talking you’re going to pay attention.

“And attention turns to…(makes “asks for money” gesture)” revealed Adesanya.

‘Izzy’ is set for the biggest test of his career against Costa. Adesanya’s last fight was arguably a snooze fest. The fighter defended his title against Yoel Romero, however, he was criticized for not engaging and pushing Romero.

Israel Adesanya can cement his place as one of the greats in the division with a win over Costa. However, his weaknesses could be exposed against Paulo Costa, with a shock upset not too far-fetched.