
via Imago
April 8, 2023, Miami, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 8: Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Alex Pereira in their middleweight fight during the UFC 287 event at Kaseya Center on April 8, 2023 in Miami, FL, United States. Miami, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20230408_zsa_p175_148 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx

via Imago
April 8, 2023, Miami, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 8: Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Alex Pereira in their middleweight fight during the UFC 287 event at Kaseya Center on April 8, 2023 in Miami, FL, United States. Miami, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20230408_zsa_p175_148 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
Israel Adesanya wrote history in an emphatic fashion at UFC 287. ‘Stylebender’ announced his return as the king of middleweights with a knockout win over Alex Pereira. The new middleweight champion had already defeated most of the contenders in the division and also looks to defeat them twice. Such was the dominant first reign of ‘The Last Stylebender’.
This time, another opponent looks to get a shot at Adesanya’s title reign for the second time. A UFC commentator has also vouched for the duo to battle it out again inside the octagon. The fans would love to see the two middleweights in the octagon again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jon Anik names Paulo Costa as the next opponent for Israel Adesanya
The UFC commentator opened up about his choice for Adesanya’s next opponent. Anik revealed that he thinks Adesanya should “consider” facing Paulo Costa in his first title defense in the second reign.
Anike wrote, “I’m also hopeful @BorrachinhaMMA gets consideration right now…or produces one more win that’ll give Adesanya an appetite for that rematch.”
I'm also hopeful @BorrachinhaMMA gets consideration right now…or produces one more win that'll give Adesanya an appetite for that rematch.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) April 10, 2023
Furthermore, Anik added that he also thinks Costa needs another win to secure the title contender spot if he doesn’t get a chance right away. It remains to be seen who the UFC matchmakers chose as an opponent for ‘Stylebender’.

via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 27: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria celebrates after defeating 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)
Costa is not scheduled to fight anyone next. After UFC 284 clash with Robert Whittaker fell apart owing to contract issues, Costa hasn’t been involved in any fights.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who has Paulo Costa faced since his defeat against Israel Adesanya?
Paulo Costa was in the red fiery form before a fight against ‘The Last Stylebender’. He defeated the likes of Yoel Romero and Uriah Hall up until his title fight. However, Adesanya got the better of him in the fight at UFC 253.
Following the defeat, many fights against middleweights such as Robbert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier were canceled. Costa also lost his next fight against Marvin Vettori. He also secured a win against Luke Rockhold at UFC 278.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about a potential fight between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa? Does Costa deserve an immediate title shot? Or should Adesanya look for other opponents? Let us know what you think about the potential fight in the comments.
Watch This Story: The Saga of Bad Blood Between Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT