Israel Adesanya Reflects on Impressive Win Over “Dumb” Paulo Costa

Israel Adesanya may have nothing left to prove, in terms of whether he has what it takes to defeat Paulo Costa. But it sounds like the middleweight champ still has some issues with his rival.

Adesanya breaks down jaw-dropping victory over “dumb” Costa

If you’re a big MMA fan, you know that for months, Adesanya and Costa traded verbal shots. Well before they were booked to fight at UFC 253 on Saturday.

Costa repeatedly made light of Adesanya’s physical frame and argued the champ was just a point-fighter. Adesanya also took pokes at Costa over his massive physique, and let it be known he wasn’t impressed with the contender’s abilities.

Well, on Saturday night, Adesanya’s vaunted striking game ruled the day. “The Last Stylebender” battered Costa with leg kicks in round one, before finishing him with punches in round two.

Well, while talking to the media afterward, Adesanya didn’t stop trashing his rival, when asked to break down the fight (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I’m 10 steps ahead,” Adesanya said. “I told you guys I’m 10 steps ahead. You think these are just words, but I’m 10 steps ahead. …

I told you guys in the pre-fight I’m not a human punching bag. He’s only fought human punching bags, guys who will just stand there and cover up.

They just let him tee off on them. I knew, because he was cutting me off. Bro, we are the best, City Kickboxing.”

“They just want me to stand there so I can get punched,” Adesanya said. “I’m not stupid, dummy. I told you, he’s dumb. I’m smart.

This is my 100th win in combat sports all around. One fight, two fights, three fights, four fights, five fights, six fights – all the way to a (expletive) hundred.

I’m not a (expletive) baby for this game. I’ve been in this (expletive) for a long time and I’m still fresh.”

So, given everything these said about each the last year plus, it’s  not too surprising that Adesanya wasn’t heaping praise on Costa afterward.

Insults aside, it was a masterful performance by Adesanya. While a lot of people believed the champ would get by Costa, the consensus seemed to be that the fight would be much, much more competitive.

Adesanya wants Jared Cannonier

Now it remains to be seen who Adesanya will face next, given he’s defeated three of the division’s top five contenders now. The champ made it clear, however, that if Jared Cannonier beats Robert Whittaker October 24th, he wants that bout.

“I think Jared’s going to dust Robert Whittaker and I look forward to fighting him,” Adesanya said. “I think he’s going to get it done.

I’m rooting for him. But if Robert Whittaker wins and he wants to get knocked out a third time, I can make that happen, too.”

That’s the big question: if Whittaker does win, who will be next for “The Last Stylebender”?