Ever since losing to Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa has been on the sidelines. In several videos, he has expressed a desire for an immediate rematch with Adesanya. However, considering how he lost to the champion, an immediate rematch is probably off the table. Hence, Costa’s manager, Wallid Ismail, is now angling for a fight against Robert Whittaker.

After defeating Costa, Adesanya is now eyeing a move up to light heavyweight in search of his second belt. He will fight the 205-pounds kingpin Jan Blachowicz in March. While ‘The Last Stylebender’ prepares for the status of a ‘double champ’, Ismail has an idea. He wants the UFC to book a fight between Costa and Whittaker for the interim title.

“This fight has been discussed ever since they first announced that Adesanya would fight the 205-pound champion Blachowicz. Dana White said he wants this fight, that he would make this fight happen, and Whittaker said he would only fight for the belt next. We’re just waiting for Dana White to book this fight,” Costa’s manager told MMA Fighting.

Wallid Ismail hypes up a rematch between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa

Before he stepped inside the Octagon, many considered Costa to be Adesanya’s toughest opponent. However, when the door of the Octagon closed, it was a completely different story. Adesanya stopped Costa’s undefeated run in a manner that was as dominant as it could get.

Robert Whittaker also suffered his last loss against Adesanya. ‘The Reaper’ claimed that he was in a state of burnout when he fought Adesanya and that he ‘just wasn’t himself’ in that contest. Following a break after that setback, the Aussie has returned stronger than ever. He has since defeated top contenders Darren Till and Jared Cannonier.

Despite Whittaker’s resurgence, Costa’s manager is confident that his client will come out on top, which will pave way for a rematch with Adesanya.

“This is the best fight for 185, the No. 1 against the No. 2,” Ismail said. “The winner… Borrachinha will win, and with that win, imagine how many pay-per-views a rematch with Adesanya would do. It’s a business. It’s the best pay-per-view possible because Borrachinha and Adesanya really hate each other, but we can’t leave the division on hold. That’s why we have to make this for the interim belt.

“It’s a win-win for the UFC, and that’s what Dana White wants. He knows that Borrachinha vs. Whittaker will sell well, and he knows how much the title unification bout will sell, too.”

Considering the way Costa went out against Adesanya, he will have to register an impressive win against Whittaker if he wants to get back in the title picture.

Read More: Why Jan Blachowicz Is a Dangerous Threat to Israel Adesanya