Israel Adesanya Reveals "Game Plan" Ahead of UFC 253 Title Defence Against Paulo Costa

Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC & MMA Junkie

Ahead of the second attempted defence of his undisputed middleweight throne, undefeated striking sensation, Israel Adesanya has dropped his supposed, "game plan" on how he plans to remain titleholder when paired with Brazilian bruiser, Paulo Costa on September 26th.

At UFC 253 - with a location and venue still yet to be determined, Adesanya is finally set to meet with perennial middleweight powerhouse, Costa - in a matchup floated since last October.

An injury to the challenger forced him from a potential pairing with Adesanya earlier this annum, with common-foe, Yoel Romero facing the Nigerian born finisher instead. In a less than memorable meeting, Adesanya scored a unanimous decision win opposite the Cuban - remaining undisputed king of the 185-pound ranks.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Adesanya revealed how he plans to defeat Costa, in a rivalry which seems to be developing by the day.

"Game plan. Ask (Paulo) Costa what's 2+2, let him think, then kick him in the face!"

Game plan
Ask Costa what’s 2+2, let him think, then kick him in the face! https://t.co/INuD7pyEnP

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) August 21, 2020

City Kickboxing ace, Adesanya - like his rival, Costa - had been a complete revelation since his Octagon bow, just two years ago. Inside eight fights, the 31-year-old former kickboxing standout had secured the interim, then undisputed middleweight crown, and lodged his first successful title defence.

In notable Octagon wins, Adesanya trumped contenders, Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson - before a unanimous decision win over division icon, Anderson Silva. At UFC 236 last April - Adesanya scored the interim crown in a Fight of the Year against Kelvin Gastelum. Unifying the titles, Adesanya finished Robert Whittaker inside two-frames at UFC 243 in Melbourne.

13-0 knockout artist, Costa has found a whopping eleven vias first strike stoppages. The former Jungle Fight middleweight titleholder has finished former welterweight gold holder, Johny Hendricks, and TUF finalist, Uriah Hall via strikes - prior to his most high-profile, close judging win over the aforementioned, Romero.