Israel Adesanya (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Israel Adesanya had been feuding with Paulo Costa for months, prior to their bout on Saturday. But, following the middleweight champion’s decisive win at UFC 253, Adesanya didn’t let up.

Adesanya quickly pulled ahead in the card’s main event by punishing Costa’s lead leg with kicks. Then in round two, the renowned striker dropped Costa and finished the fight.

During the post-fight press conference, Costa had this to say about his win, and his rival (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I’m 10 steps ahead,” Adesanya said. “I told you guys I’m 10 steps ahead. You think these are just words, but I’m 10 steps ahead. … I told you guys in the pre-fight I’m not a human punching bag. He’s only fought human punching bags, guys who will just stand there and cover up. They just let him tee off on them. I knew, because he was cutting me off. Bro, we are the best, City Kickboxing.”

“They just want me to stand there so I can get punched,” Adesanya said. “I’m not stupid, dummy. I told you, he’s dumb. I’m smart. This is my 100th win in combat sports all around. One fight, two fights, three fights, four fights, five fights, six fights – all the way to a (expletive) hundred. I’m not a (expletive) baby for this game. I’ve been in this (expletive) for a long time and I’m still fresh.”

With the victory on Saturday, Adesanya moved his overall record to 20-0. Costa, meanwhile, incurred his first defeat and his record now stands at 13-1.