Tonight’s UFC 253 event was headlined by a middleweight title fight featuring undefeated fighters Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa.
The UFC’s reigning middleweight champion, Adesanya (19-0 MMA), was returning to action for the first time since defeating Yoel Romero this past March. Prior to his lackluster unanimous decision win over the Cuban, ‘Stylebender’ had earned a sensational knockout victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 243.
Meanwhile, Paulo Costa (13-0 MMA) was most previously in action at UFC 241 in August of 2019 where he defeated the aforementioned Yoel Romero by way of unanimous decision. Prior to outpointing ‘The Soldier of God‘, Costa had finished all twelve of his previous opponents, which included eleven wins by knockout.
Tonight’s UFC 253 main event proved to be a fairly one sided contest. Israel Adesanya was able to dominate the opening round by utilizing a steady barrage of low kicks. Then in round two, ‘Stylebender’ would drop the Brazilian and finish Costa off with punches on the ground.
Official UFC 253 Result: Israel Adesanya def. Paulo Costa via TKO at 3:49 of Round 2
Check out how the pros reacted to Adesanya defeating Costa below:
What’s up with Izzy right tit
— BONY (@JonnyBones) September 27, 2020
What’s up with Adesanya’s right pec?? Old injury?
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 27, 2020
And the chess match begins #UFC253
— Anthony Smith (@lionheartasmith) September 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/randamma/status/1310074386871799808
Man Costa playing everything off but he really has to figure out how to cut off Izzy.
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 27, 2020
Leg kicks don’t work aye!! #ufc253
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) September 27, 2020
Izzy lightening fast #UFC253
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) September 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/TMarretaMMA/status/1310077605169762304
https://twitter.com/USMAN84kg/status/1310077542372724736
A BEAUTIFUL striking display by @stylebender ! Made it look easy! #ufc253 #ufcfightisland
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 27, 2020
Wow! Not even close man! What a performance from Adesanya! This man will be champ for a LONG time, as long as Father Time allows it! #UFC253
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/francis_ngannou/status/1310077450303369216
I can’t wait until I meet this guy again #UFC253
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) September 27, 2020
Who would you like to see Israel Adesanya fight next following his TKO victory over Paulo Costa this evening on Fight Island? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on September 26, 2020