UFC 253: Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa Preview, Odds, Prediction

The biggest fight in the MMA world this year highlights the UFC 253 and features Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa. Two undefeated guys who are by far the best in the middleweight division are finally going to share the octagon and decide who is better. Adesanya is the title-holder right now, while on the other side, the Brazilian is more than keen on dethroning the Last Stylebender. The feud between these two guys is going on for a long time, which only adds more fire to this blockbusting event. Be sure not to miss this one, as we guarantee a spectacle this Saturday.

Preview

Adesanya (-170) is a favorite here. The undefeated Nigerian has 19 wins in his professional career, 8 of them in the UFC. Even though being regarded as one of the best strikers in the organization, Adesanya finished three matches in the UFC with a stoppage, the one against Derek Brunson, debut vs. Wilkinson and the bout when he won the title against Robert Whittaker.

In the meantime, all other victories came via decision against Rob Wilkinson, Marvin Vettori (split, and highly controversial), Kelvin Gastelum, and the latest one against Yoel Romero.

The first title-defense against the Cuban was one of the worst fights recently, with both guys avoiding fighting. Even though he won unanimously, we can’t say that he deserved a win. Romero exposed many flaws the champion has. 

Adesanya is a ferocious counter-puncher, and he can hurt from almost any position in the octagon because of hi length and flexibility.

Meanwhile, Paulo Costa (+150) is a bit different. He isn’t elastic as his rival, but possesses a power unseen in the middleweight. Once he gets to his opponent, one hit changes everything. His punches are unreal, and arguably one of the hardest in the organization, regardless of the division.

Borrachina is terrible, having 13 wins, five of them in the UFC, and so far, he only had one match that went to distance, against the above-mentioned Romero. That was arguably the best ever contest in the UFC. We saw numerous punches, hits, strikes, a battle that happens once in 10 years, and maybe more. And Costa got outpunched, but with a win in the end.

It was a unanimous decision, once again a questionable one. 

The Brazilian had some problems with injuries, but according to his words, that is long gone. He knows how to use legs and is solid in grappling, but punches are his primary weapon.

Prediction

We expect a cautious approach here, especially from Adesanya, who will try to get away from Costa. The Last Stylebender has a longer reach, and he will use that t control the situation in the octagon, as he did against Romero. Though Costa has a tough chin, he might use that to eat a couple of strikes to get near his rival. From that position on, we know how he acts. 

We don’t see this fight ending before the end of the third round. The importance of the event will force both guys to have a conservative approach. The odds for that are -110, and it is an offer worth accepting. 

Pick: Over 2.5 rounds -110