Dana White Predicts Israel Adesanya – Paulo Costa Will be FOTY

A lot of people are pretty, pretty excited to see Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa throw down at UFC 253, and Dana White is one of those folks.

Sure, it’s his job to promote bouts. But, recently White made a solid case for why the September 26th bout has must-see, written all over it.

White thinks Adessanya – Costa will be FOTY

For months, a fight between Adesany and Costa has been building, not only because both middleweights continue to win, but because they’ve been feuding through the media. Adesanya has taken repeated verbal pokes at Costa and his hulking physique, while the latter has repeatedly argued “The Last Stylebender’s” overrated.

The two were expected to fight earlier this year, but when Costa went down with a bicep injury, Adesanya fought and defeated Yoel Romero instead.

Well, not long ago it was confirmed the stars will battle on September 26th. Following Saturday’s UFC 252 card, White was asked to comment on the highly anticipated fight, and he said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I don’t know what you guys think, but I predict that’s ‘Fight of the Year,’” White said. “I think stylistically, it’s the perfect fight.

If you look at the way Costa fights, he puts pressure on you, he stays in your face the whole time. Adesanya likes to stay on the outside and pick you apart.

“I think that fight is going to be an absolute war. Just stylistically, it matches up really, really well, and both guys are animals.

Both guys want this fight really bad, and I think it’s going to be ‘Fight of the Year.’”

As noted above, it’s understandable if some might read White’s comments and question whether he’s being hyperbolic. After all, it’s his job to spike interest in upcoming, UFC fights.

But, it’s hard to argue with what he said, in terms of why he’s expecting an outstanding war.

Costa does pressure, and pressures hard. He’s also extremely durable and powerful.

Adesanya, meanwhile, is one of the most talented strikers the game has seen to date. So, when you factor in all this, and all the bad blood, we could have a thriller at UFC 253.

Will it be fight of the year though? Maybe?