UFC 243: Israel Adesanya Lights up Paulo Costa & “Dumb” Casual Fans, Following Impressive Win

Now that Israel Adesanya is the UFC’s undisputed, middleweight champion, it certainly looks like he’s on a collision course with Paulo Costa. Not only is it an intriguing fight due the abilities of both men, but it’s clear the fight has a sizeable beef as well.

Adesanya unifies the 185 crown

Adesanya took on Robert Whittaker last night at UFC 243, and proceeded to unify the interim and world title in impressive fashion. Adesanya floored Whittaker right before round one ended, and in round two, he sent the rugged vet to the deck with a booming left hook. With the victory, Adesanya moved his pro-MMA record to 18-0.

“The Last Stylebender” fires warning shots Costa’s way

Since Costa is coming off a win over Yoel Romero, and because he’s gone 5-0 in the UFC, the hulking Brazilian is expected to fight for the title next. Prior to UFC 243, Costa reported he wanted Adesanya to win, so that he can get his hands on the rising star. The reason being that he and Adesanya have been trading verbal jabs for weeks.

So, not surprisingly, Adesanya was asked about facing Costa during the post-fight presser, and he’s some of what he had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I like that fight because the casuals, they’re dumb,” Adesanya said. “They see a beefed-up beefcake like that, and they think ‘now that’s the guy.’ I’m still all hype, by the way. I’m still just a hype train. So they’ll see that and think that’s the guy, ‘that’s the guy.’ They just want to see me lose, but they’re going to be waiting for a long time.”

“(I was trying to) sell the next fight a little bit, but at the same time, he’s a (expletive). He’s my (expletive)…”

“Basic”, Adesany said about Costa’s game. “Basic is just what I work on, my foundations. I have to work on my basic. He doesn’t need … everyone that he fights is just a punching bag that stands there, just waiting to be hit. I can’t wait to fight him. I’m not impressed, to be honest.”

So, as it stands right now, it certainly looks like Adesanya – Costa will be next. The champion also said afterward that he’s good to go, and doesn’t need to much time off before his next bout.

But what about Jon Jones? Dana White’s reported he’s interested in seeing that fight, and there’s no doubt fans would flock to watch it. But, since Adesanya just unified the titles, and because there’s a #1 contender waiting in the wings in Costa, chances are Jones – Adesanya won’t happen just yet.