Israel Adesanya predicts Robert Whittaker versus Paulo Costa

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UFC superstar and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya predicted how the oncoming bout between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa would play out.

Adesanya who is on a self-imposed absence from the octagon is observant concerning what goes on in the division even as he plans to make a grand return.

The Nigerian-born New Zealand-based fighter said the following in a video he uploaded on YouTube:

‘Stylistically, let me see. I think Rob’s gonna wrestle him. Rob can definitely land the takedown, maybe not early on.

‘Rob will be at distance, feints, pump-faking, doing his f*cking oblique kick. Costa, I think he’ll go to Rob. He might not respect Rob, unless Rob gets some respect straight away with the jab or his leg kicks or right hand.

‘Costa will try to walk him down, but if Rob’s smart, don’t get to the fence because that’s where he’ll bully you.

‘Use good footwork. If Rob ends up behind the black line, that’s when Costa’s gonna put the pressure on. He does his best work when people are on the fence… I feel Rob will win by decision, UD.

‘He’s gonna land a couple takedowns. He might rock Costa, but I don’t think so.’

Many expect to see Adesanya face new middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis, and both men might like the idea.