Adesanya Plans UFC Comeback Fight in Abu Dhabi

Israel Adesanya is gearing up for a comeback to the UFC, with a highly anticipated rematch against Paulo Costa reportedly being lined up for UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25.

The Nigerian-born Kiwi stopped Costa in devastating fashion at UFC 253 in September 2020, and now, five years later, talks are underway for a sequel that promises fireworks in the middleweight division.

Reports from UFC media outlet @OctagonPulse suggest the clash is still under negotiation, with no official confirmation yet from Dana White regarding the signing of the bout.

If finalized, the Adesanya vs. Costa rematch is expected to feature prominently on the UFC 321 card, potentially as the co-main event, alongside the heavyweight showdown between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena.

Given his emphatic second-round knockout win in their first meeting, “The Last Stylebender” is likely to enter the rematch as the betting favorite against the Brazilian.

However, Adesanya has struggled for form recently. He last tasted victory at UFC 287, where he spectacularly knocked out Alex Pereira to reclaim his middleweight crown, but since then he has suffered three consecutive defeats.

Costa, meanwhile, showed strong form earlier this year, earning a convincing unanimous decision over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in July.

Despite his recent setbacks, Adesanya’s resume remains glittering. Before his current losing streak, he successfully defended the middleweight belt seven times. His list of victims includes big names such as Alex Pereira, Robert Whittaker (twice), Yoel Romero, Kelvin Gastelum, and the legendary Anderson Silva, widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Even with a dip in results, Adesanya’s skill set means that on his best night, he is capable of defeating any opponent.

Currently ranked No. 4 at middleweight, Adesanya sits above Costa, who is placed 12th. With Khamzat Chimaev now holding the middleweight championship, a victory here could reignite Adesanya’s chase for another title shot.

Official word on the rematch is expected in the coming weeks, with UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi earmarked as the stage for Adesanya and Costa’s second meeting on October 25.