UFC boss predicts fight of the year
Mixed Martial Arts
UFC boss Dana White admits he’s no fan of Israel Adesanya’s ring walk but loves his fighting style and predicts the Kiwi’s middleweight title defence against Paulo Costa this weekend will be the fight of the year.
Adesanya puts his belt on the line against Brazilian Costa at UFC 253 on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
It’s two unbeaten fighters with contrasting styles and seemingly a genuine hate for each other, making for what White believes will be an ‘‘incredible’’ encounter. ‘‘I predict it will be the fight of the year stylistically,’’ White told TMZ Sports.
‘‘Adesanya is the master of staying outside and kicking people apart.’’
But White felt there was more to the Kiwi’s game, and he had proven that on his quick march to the top of his division.
‘‘People didn’t think he had power, but he’s been knocking out real guys lately,’’ White said.
‘‘We’ve seen him in the deep water, we’ve seen him take on really good wrestlers. Adesanya has it all.
‘‘Now he’s going in against Paulo Costa who is an absolute savage. This guy throws everything with bad intentions, he moves forward the entire time and puts tons of pressure on you and tries to knock you out. It is impossible for this fight not to be incredible.’’
Not so incredible for White is the flashy entrances that Adesanya, a former breakdancer, has been making to his fights.
‘‘Well he’s an interesting guy anyways, but yeah, I don’t love it, I don’t love it. I battle with him every time we do it, you know?’’ White told TMZ Sports.
‘‘I keep it as minimal as possible. I like guys that just walk right into the Octagon, they’re serious, they’re all business.’’