“Izzy Adesanya Has the Potential to Finish This Guy”- Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Predicts Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa

Former title challenger Stephen Thompson spoke to Submission Radio and previewed one of the most anticipated fights of the year. The main event for UFC 253 will see Israel Adesanya defend his Middleweight strap against Paulo Costa at Fight Island. The fight is expected to be an instant candidate for ‘Fight of the Year’ according to Dana White and fans.

“Wonderboy” Thompson had plenty to say regarding the bout that is booked for September 26 in Abu Dhabi. Both the headlining fighters have a significant disdain for each other that is sure to translate to vigorous action in the cage. What’s more, the fight is made more compelling given the stylistic challenges that both fighters bring to the table.

Stephen Thompson breaks it down

The Karate style practitioner first touched upon the sheer destruction that the challenger has caused in his recent bouts. Paulo Costa has successfully run through certain dangerous Middleweights who have historically been tough to combat.

“It was Uriah Hall first, he broke Uriah Hall, he broke him mentally. He gave up out there. Of course, you’re not going to break Yoel Romero. And those guys fought pretty much the same, came forward, and pretty much swung for the fences.”

Thompson continued on to say that the undisputed king in Adesanya possessed the tools required to trump Costa. Being a counter striker himself, Stephen is well aware of the lethal impact of pulling back on punches.

“For someone like Izzy Adesanya, he’s got the potential to finish this guy, second or third round. Izzy is a counter striker, he waits for guys to make a mistake and then takes advantage of it. I think this falls right into his game plan, what he does best.”

He doubled down to cast his prediction on the fight and seemed certain that counter-striking would win the day.

“The only thing about Paulo Costa is that he’s durable, he’s very, very durable. He’s very tough to finish. I think after the first round, maybe if Izzy can tire him out a little. Izzy Adesanya is gonna have a field day counter striking this guy. I got my man Izzy winning that fight.”

Fans of the sport have been champing at the bit to see the aforementioned fight come to fruition. Both athletes have been on a collision course towards each other and the bout will be violent.