WATCH: Paulo Costa Boxes to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean Ahead of Israel Adesanya Fight

Paulo Costa is just two weeks away from finally getting his hands on Israel Adesanya and fighting for the middleweight championship. Costa began preparing a few months ago and looks in incredible shape despite cutting down a few pounds. The fighter looks a tad less beefy than the time he showed off his body to Adesanya, which can be attributed to his weight cut having already begun. 

Besides his weight, he needs to focus on his striking too as he would need to land clean shots on the counter puncher Adesanya who needs just one slip-up to capitalize on. 

Costa practiced his punches and tried to commit them to muscle memory. He launched a series of right and left uppercuts before focusing on a combination of jabs and straight rights. Following this, he began bouncing on his feet and crouching ever so slightly before swiftly landing multiple uppercuts. 

In the next sequence, one can forgive fans for assuming that he is dancing. This is because his footwork and hand movement are in sync with Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean which is playing in the background. Finally, Costa finishes the routine with a series of left hooks before smiling at the camera.

Paulo Costa will apply insane pressure with his striking

Paulo Costa holds a black belt in Jiu-jitsu but rarely takes the fight to the ground. He prefers to stay on his feet and pummel his opponent. In five UFC fights, ‘Borrachinha’ is yet to land a takedown but landed 8.43 significant strikes per minute.

However, he absorbed a high amount of strikes too. This makes it ever so crucial for him to not only connect, but connect cleanly. 

Read: Paulo Costa’s Shots Sound Like ‘Shotgun Blasts’ Says Chael Sonnen

Moving to the rhythm of the music can help Costa be fluid in his movements on September 26. The Brazilian fighter looks mesmerizing with his fluidity in the video, and not a single one of the power-packed punches seems laborious. 

His fans will hope to see more of the same on Fight Island as he seeks to maintain his unbeaten streak. What do you make of Paulo Costa’s unconventional boxing session?