One of the biggest fights of the year is just within grasp and its reaching heights of excitement that some, including myself, can't keep in anymore. At UFC 253 Israel Adesanya will face his toughest opponent yet as he defends his title against the beast that is Paulo Costa.
To say that bad blood didn't spill over between these two will be an understatement. Both Israel and Paulo have exchanged verbal messages to each other the last few months, nearly going on a year to be honest. Israel calling Paulo out first after winning the title back at UFC 243. The two fighters were scheduled to collide, but an injury sidelined Costa and the fight would be rescheduled at a later date.
Now we are here the fights is locked in, no hiccups or bumps along the way, given the circumstances with Covid-19, we got ourselves a huge title fight that has the potential to change everything in the MW divsion going forward. So what would a win for either man look like?
A win for Israel would cement his legacy.
With already defeating the toughest opponent in the whole division at his first title defence Israel is coming of what fans and critics called a lack luster fight with Yoel Romero. It was'nt Israel's fault, but that didn't stop anyone questioning his title reign and also his position as a fighter. Israel will be looking to shut all that hearsay down by defending his title and defeating Costa in a fashionable way. A win would cement his legacy and take his to that next level of stardom that only a few fighters can achieve. Israel is knocking on that door. Huge opportunity for The Last Stylebender come UFC 253.
A win for Costa will change the divsion
With such a force in the divsion and an undefeated streak that comes with it, it was all written in the stars that Paulo Costa would flip the divsion on its head. The Brazilian has lay out all his opponents since his UFC debut by way of KO and gave Yoel Romero a run for his money. The power he has is enough to take the wind out of anyone's sail, so he'll be looking to do that to Isarel and take that belt back home to Brazil. A win for Costa will be huge. His would be the first Brazilian to take the MW title home since Legendary fighter Anderson Silva had it. Costa winning would be huge for his homeland aswell brings the title back to Brazil. Will Costa add his name to the list of Legendary Brazilian Champions this weekend.?
This fight has everything a MMA fans wants and more. Rivalry,Drama and high stakes that will affect a whole division. Be sure not to miss this historic fight take place this weekend.
Yes. I'm nervous for this one!
Marc Meepmma/52ndmma
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