The long-awaited matchup between UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa is set for UFC 253.
Several people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed that the fight is in the process of being finalized for the fight card on September 19 after an initial report from Combat. UFC 253 is expected to take place in Las Vegas, although a venue has not been finalized.
Shortly after the news of the matchup, Costa also confirmed the fight on Twitter.
The fight is in the people!
In September I will bring the Show up– Paulo Costa (Borrachinha) (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 18, 2020
Rivals were expected to meet earlier this year, but persistent shoulder injury and surgery forced Costa to delay the No. 1 contender position he won with a decision on Yoel Romero. Needing a headliner for UFC 248 in March, Adesanya chose to take on Romero and won a unanimous decision in a widely-criticized fight.
Costa recovered in time to face Adesanya, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the UFC to postpone or cancel various events, and the match was delayed. When asked this week about the matchup, UFC President Dana White said the promotion was more focused on holding events on Fight Island.
Adesanya attempts the second defense of his unified title after beating Romero and a star performance to capture Robert Whittaker’s belt. After winning the belt, he gaped at a shoreline cage.
Since then, middleweights have been repeatedly insulted in public appearances and interviews.
Before beating Romero, Costa moved up in rank with four consecutive TKO wins.
