Paulo Costa Says he Fought Israel Adesanya With “Totally Impaired” Leg

Following Paulo Costa’s one-sided loss to Israel Adesanya in September, the middleweight contender reported that he went into the contest, with something wrong. Well, more recently the Brazilian star has said he faced the champ with a “totally impaired” leg.

Costa says he should have postponed bout

The hard-hitting and rugged fighter faced Adesanya at UFC 253, and was put away by the champion in round two. Leading up to the fight, the consensus was that Adesanya would probably win, but that Costa would provide him with his biggest, test to date.

Adesanya came out very tentatively against Adesanya, and quickly found himself being outstruck. In round two, the champ dropped him, and the fight was stopped soon after.

After the bout, Costa reported that “something happened” before the fight, but he didn’t offer any details. More recently, while speaking via his YouTube channel, Costa said this about his loss to Adesanya (quotes via MMA Fighting). 

“Maybe I could have used more in the Adesanya fight, but many things happened before that fight,” Costa said.

“I don’t like to talk because it might sound as excuse, but I had no sleep, my leg was totally impaired, and I shouldn’t have fought, I should have postponed it for the next weekend or more.”

“I saw what happened with Patricky (Freire), who fights for Bellator — and has the same coach, Eric Albarracin —, and his team did the right thing.

He didn’t wake up well, had labyrinthitis on the day of the fight, feeling dizzy, (so) he doesn’t have to fight.

We’re in such a high level that you don’t have to fight if you don’t feel well. It was our mistake.”

Costa then had this to say, while discussing how a rematch with ‘The Last Stylebender’ would go.

“He’s an agile fighter, fast, but doesn’t convince me. He didn’t convince me. It’s hard to say, I lost to him and won’t be right.

I can say whatever I want and I won’t be right, it will sound salty, but, in reality, he doesn’t convince me. I can fight him 10 times and all 10 times will be different.”

So, only Costa and his team know what was going on with him, prior to the fight. While Adesanya’s received extensive praise for his performance, and understandably so, it’s worth noting that more than a few people thought Costa looked off.

Costa is driving for a fight with Robert Whittaker

During the chat, Costa reportedly said that a fight with Robert Whittaker is being planned. The latter defeated Jared Cannonier last month, and in doing so, he ensured he remains the number one contender.

So, will Whittaker risk that position by facing Costa? If the UFC pressures him to take the fight, given it looks like Adesanya will face Jan Blachowicz next, he might?