Published 16:39 IST, September 21st 2020

Watch: Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa come face-to-face in Abu Dhabi ahead of UFC 253

UFC 253 - Adesanya vs Costa: In the video, Israel Adesanya can be heard calling Paulo Costa “skinny,” with the Brazilian replying, “I’m lean, never skinny”.

Reported by: Adil Khan
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Just days before ir highly anticipated clash, Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa came face-to-face at Fight Island where y shared a subtle moment. two have been going back and forth for months, with fans claiming that fighters could get into an altercation if y meet outside octagon. However, that didn’t happen in ir recent meeting. two shook hands and proved that y respect each or, despite slamming each or on camera.

Also Read l UFC 253 fight: Dana White says he doesn’t “love” Israel Adesanya dancing into Octagon

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In video which was recorded by Paulo Costa’s teammate Wallid Ismail, Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa and ir teammates can be seen laughing before Last Stylebender pulls his opponent’s leg. Israel Adesanya can be heard calling Paulo Costa “skinny,” with Brazilian replying, “I’m lean, never skinny”. two n part ways before wishing each or luck for upcoming fight. Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa will lock horns in main event of UFC 253 which will take place on September 26 at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Also Read l UFC 253 fight: Adesanya makes history, becomes first MMA fighter to land a deal with Puma

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According to UFC president Dana White, Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa has potential to be “ fight of year” as both are currently undefeated in UFC. While current UFC middleweight champion has an unbeaten record of 19-0, Paulo Costa is . 2 in middleweight charts with a 13-0 record. Apart from Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa, UFC 253 will feature a light-heavyweight title bout between Dominick Reyes and Jan Błachowicz, with winner getting title Jon Jones vacated a couple of weeks ago to move to heavyweight division.

Also Read l Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa: Adesanya labels Paulo Costa “dirtiest fighter in MMA”

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Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa: Adesanya praises Costa ahead of UFC 253

A couple of days ago, Last Stylebender appeared on Submission Radio where he praised Paulo Costa for his aggressive fighting style, claiming that Eraser can kck down big opponents with ease. Despite that, Israel Adesanya refused to ackwledge Paulo Costa as his biggest challenge and said that undefeated challenger has t fought someone like him in past. He n reminded fans that he has defeated opponents ranked much higher than Paulo Costa.

 “It’s a cliche to say before every fight that he’s never faced anyone like me. He’s only beat two guys that are ranked. I beat like four or five guys that are ranked. Six, maybe. I lost count,” Israel Adesanya added.

Also Read l Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa: Israel Adesanya slams Paulo Costa ahead of UFC 253

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Im Source: Wallid Ismail, UFC Instagram

16:39 IST, September 21st 2020