
via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Paulo Costa of Brazil punches Israel Adesanya of Nigeria in their middleweight championship bout during UFC 253 inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on September 27, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Paulo Costa of Brazil punches Israel Adesanya of Nigeria in their middleweight championship bout during UFC 253 inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on September 27, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
UFC middleweight Paulo Costa sat down with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto in his first interview since losing to Israel Adesanya at UFC 253. ‘The current champion soundly defeated the Eraser’ and he effectively took a break from interviews. However, during that time he remained active on social media and made some claims that fans raised their eyebrows at.
Also, he finally secured a bout against Marvin Vettori after consistently failing to secure a booking. However, facing a fellow former title challenger in Vettori will be the perfect test for Costa, who wants to make a statement. His defeat back in October 2020 was rather comprehensive and some fans feel he’s done and dusted at the highest level.
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What version of Paulo Costa will we witness?
Known for his marauding style, the Brazilian went toe-to-toe against Yoel Romero. However, in his bout against Adesanya, Paulo Costa appeared timid and wasn’t able to let go of his hands. The MMA community will see which version of Costa will shine through. After all, he promised to bring forth violence.

via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 27: (R-L) Israel Adesanya of Nigeria kicks Paulo Costa of Brazil in their middleweight championship bout during UFC 253 inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on September 27, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
“I think about myself like I’m a gambler. You know when go to the Casino and put all in always. This is the kind of fighter I am. I go all in always.”
“I put my life on this sport for long time ago and I’m not here to be part, I’m here to take over… It will be a wild fight. Everybody will see the old savage, Paulo Costa. Going foward and so aggressive and sober.”
Paulo Costa’s battle against Marvin Vettori will be career-defining as his spot in the rankings is in jeopardy. ‘The Italian Dream’ is also coming off a loss and will be as dangerous as ever when the cage door closes behind him.
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A spectacular victory for Paulo Costa will go a long way in erasing the stench of defeat from his loss to Adesanya. He’s got a fan-friendly fighting style and the MMA community will want to see him in big-time match-ups from here on out.
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