Israel Adesanya is being lined up for a blockbuster rematch against Paulo Costa at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian-New Zealander famously knocked out Costa in the second round of their UFC 253 clash in 2020, and the pair could now run it back in what promises to be one of the year’s most anticipated middleweight contests.
According to UFC media outlet OctagonPulse, the fight is still “in the works” and has yet to be officially confirmed by UFC President Dana White. If finalised, Adesanya vs Costa II is expected to feature on the UFC 321 main card at the Etihad Arena, potentially as co-main event to the heavyweight title bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.
Adesanya, ranked No. 4 at middleweight, has not won since reclaiming the 185-pound belt with a knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC 287, suffering three straight defeats since then. Despite his recent struggles, “The Last Stylebender” remains one of the division’s most decorated fighters, with seven successful title defenses during his reign and wins over elite opponents including Pereira, Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, Anderson Silva, and Kelvin Gastelum.
Costa, currently ranked No. 12, enters the proposed matchup in stronger form after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in July.
With Khamzat Chimaev now holding the middleweight crown, a win in Abu Dhabi could propel Adesanya back into the title conversation. Official confirmation of the rematch is expected in the coming weeks.
