Video: Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa size each other up in ‘Fight Island’ run-in before UFC 253

Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa got a good look at each other Sunday.

The two middleweights ran into each other in Abu Dhabi ahead of their UFC 253 title fight Saturday. The pay-per-view event will go down in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and will stream on ESPN+.

In the brief run-in, champion Adesanya and challenger Costa sized each other up and had a friendly interaction ahead of their five-round contest.

Adesanya made sure to note Costa’s size, since that’s been a big topic of discussion the build-up to the fight. Brazil’s Costa claims Adesanya is too skinny and fragile, while “The Last Style Bender” calls Costa an “overly inflated balloon animal” who’s on steroids. Costa has denied the PED allegations and has never failed drug tests under USADA’s oversight.

Both Adesanya and Costa are undefeated in their professional MMA careers and both are coming off decision wins against Yoel Romero. Adesanya defeated Romero in February, while Costa outpointed the Cuban in August 2019.

Below is the video of the run-in between Adesanya and Costa:

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