Paulo Costa Gets a Surprise Drug Test Visit From USADA During Training Camp In Brazil

UFC Middleweight Paulo Costa released a new video blog on his YouTube channel that gives an insight into his camp. The Brazilian is set to face off against Israel Adesanya for the 185-pound strap in a highly anticipated contest. Moreover, the fight marks the culmination of a rivalry that has been boiling over for a long period.

A focal point of their rivalry stems from the fact that Adesanya has openly accused the challenger of steroid abuse. Paulo Costa’s muscle-bound physique has drawn both awe and speculation about the possible use of performance enhancers. “The Last Stylebender” has pulled no punches when hurling accusations towards Costa in several pre-fight interviews.

Paulo Costa: “I didn’t even know USADA existed in Brazil”

The video grab sees Paulo Costa vigorously train for the crafty counter-striker in Israel Adesanya at UFC 253. Additionally, a visitor at the gym seemingly took the Costa camp by surprise as a USADA employee came to collect a sample. Paulo and his team did not seem aware of the fact that the USADA operated out of Brazil.

“Is USADA coming to Brazil? It’s the first time USADA comes. I didn’t even know USADA existed in Brazil. The last test was done in Arizona.”

Several fans and MMA pundits are split on the fact that Costa is trolling the undisputed champion. Furthermore, this claim is bolstered when you consider that USADA’s site has tested Costa 7 times thus far in 2020. It seems more than likely that “The Eraser” is playing into the ‘steroid cheat’ archetype to troll the MMA world.

On paper, both elite fighters have styles that are sure to lead to a stand-up firefight. Moreover, there is genuine animosity between the two and their disdain for each other is sure to pull in more eyeballs. Fight fans are of the belief that the aforementioned fight could snag the coveted “Fight of the Year” honors.

Paulo Costa is sure to bring forth his patented forward pressure and throw with bad intentions. On the other hand, Israel Adesanya’s path to victory seems to be through picking his shots and effectively mounting an offense. Fans of the sport have been counting down the days to September 26 when the two finally square off at Yas Fight Island.