Dana White Says Costa is Next for Adesanya
As expected, UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be defending his title against challenger Paulo Costa. Confirming the previously rumored news was UFC president Dana White. Previously, Adesanya explained how he wanted to lay waste to the entire middleweight division. Then, he’d consider moving up weight classes to face either Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic. Now, Adesanya will have his chance with is first title defense against Costa.
Dana spoke to TMZ Sports by way of a web conference interview. The reporter asked White if he believed that the trash talk between Adesanya and Jon Jones would grow into a fight. Instead, Dana quickly mentioned Paulo Costa.
Dana White Interview
“That’s a fun fight,” said Dana in reference to Adesayna versus Jones. “But, the next fight is Paulo Costa. That’s the fight to make next. And, if a Jon Jones is possible down the line, I like it,” finished Dana.
While Dana confirmed the matchmaking, neither fighter has mentioned the fight. It’s safe to say that the booking of the fight is still in it’s beginning stages. White didn’t mention a timeframe, card, or venue. He simply said that Costa was next.
Matchup Rumors
The matchup is rumored to take place in March in Las Vegas. The venue for the bout has not been confirmed. One could assume that the UFC would hold the bout in either the T-Mobile Arena or the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Making the fight is something that both camps desire. Costa’s focus on Israel has been well documented. The two have exchanged jabs at each other on social media for months. Now, the pair will finally be able to exchange actual jabs towards each other. Although, with the tension between these men, harder strikes than jabs will be thrown.
Now that Dana has made his plans for the bout official, who do fans favor as the victor? Let us know in the comments below.
