Paulo Costa has lot invested in this Saturday’s bout between middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and interim champ, Israel Adesanya. But recently the powerful contender admitted he’ll be rooting for his rival Adesanya…So why is that?

The Adesanya – Costa beef

Costa and Adesanya have been trading verbal shots through the media for some time now. Not long into Adesanya’s UFC run, “The Last Stylebender” took a poke at Costa regarding his arms and those comments didn’t sit well with the Brazilian star (Costa has a 72 inch reach while Adesanya’s is 8o inches). Costa has also let it be known that he’s not on board with all the hype Adesanya has been generating.

Costa’s most recent comments

Well, this Saturday at UFC 243, Adesanya will attempt to end the reign of the aforementioned Whittaker. Since Costa has won all five of his UFC bouts to date, and because he’s coming off a win over Yoel Romero, he’s expected to face the winner.

While talking to MMA Fighting recently, Costa had this to say, when asked about who he wants to win the Whittaker – Adesanya fight.

“I’m really rooting for Adesanya to win,” Costa said. “I think it’s going to be a really tough, I don’t think he gets past (Whittaker), but I’m asking God for him to win because I would really love to win the belt by beating him up.

“I really want to knock him out cold in the Octagon (and) leave him lying on the floor unconscious. I want to take that belt away from him so he stops being such a clown, but I don’t think he gets past Whittaker.”

“We were at the same hotel when I was going to fight Uriah Hall,” Costa said, while reflecting on the birth of his issues with Adesanya. “He fought the night before against Brad Tavares, but no one knows who the hell Brad Tavares is, and he’s acting like he’s the man. We both won and he called me out. I don’t even know who this f*cker is, you know?

There you have it. Now, if Whittaker beats Adesanya, and faces Costa next, there will certainly be some interest in that fight on account of both man’s abilities. But, there’s no question that an Adesanya – Costa bout would be bigger, on account of their well documented issues.

But, first things first, and Adesanya needs to beat a man who hasn’t lost a bout since 2014, and who has defeated several of the sport’s top middleweights during that time.

UFC 243 will take place in Melbourne, Australia.

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