Undefeated Nigerian-New Zealander UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, has told his opponent Paulo Costa that he is coming for blood and he is out for business as he defends his title against the Brazillian at the Yas Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
The 31-year-old is scheduled for another heart-wrenching title defense bout against No.2 title contender and knockout specialist, Costa, who is unbeaten in his 13 career MMA fights.
Adesanya also has his unbeaten streak untainted in 19 professional MMA bouts and will be gunning for his 20th win against the South American.
Both fighters in their prime have hurled verbal slurs at one another, with Adesanya promising to deflate Costa during the fight.
Costa on the other hand tagged Adesanya “skinny”, saying the middleweight champion would be no match for him.
“I know Costa is weak from cutting weight. He looks dry, the sun is affecting him. Yeah, he’s trying to keep it together. If I grab your neck, trust me, I’m never going to give you back,” Adesanya said at the pre-fight press conference.
“I’m feeling dark for this fight. I’ve been focused for this fight I feel like Jet Li unleashed myself on him.”
But Costa said despite his weight loss, he felt great ahead of the bout and ready to dent the 100 per cent record of the Nigerian.
“I feel great. I have been in the process of cutting weight. Isreal is always weak.
“I think he knows my potential and how dangerous I am. Before I became a striker, I was a grabbler and I was good at it,” Costa replied Adesanya.
The Last Stylebender, as Adesanya nicknamed himself, has been undefeated in 19 MMA fights since he made his debut in the middleweight category on March 24, 2012 with a TKO win over James Griffiths in Auckland, New Zealand.
In total, he won 14 of his fights through knockouts and five by decision.
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