The top of the UFC 253 billing witnessed Israel Adesanya put on a striking clinic against Paulo Costa before finishing him with strikes in the second round, retaining his middleweight title. Adesanya attacked the legs early and often, and then started sharp shooting and picking apart his opponent. Adesanya remains undefeated and extends his flawless record to 20-0. In his post-fight interview, “The Last Stylebender” Called out Jared Cannonier, contingent upon him ‘destroying’ Robert Whittaker in their upcoming matchup at UFC 254 next month.
Adesanya opened the match by attacking the lead leg of his adversary. Costa started out rather reserved compared to how he typically fights. Adesanya poked with his jab and kept kicking at the leg, causing several welts, which maybe looked a little worse because of Costa’s cupping marks were in the same vicinity. Costa attempted a couple of head kicks, but those advances were blocked by the champion.
Adesanya went right back to the leg kick to start the second act. Costa tried to fire back with leg kicks of his own, but he wasn’t nearly as effective as Izzy’s. The champion was picking his shots and landing when he wanted to. He opened up a cut around his eye, and then dropped Costa with a hook. The followup strikes were academic, as Costa was clearly hurt and out of the fight.
Israel Adesanya def. Paulo Costa by TKO at 3:59 of round 2: Middleweight Title
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