‘UFC is targeting to book a fight between Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker in March for Interim Title’ says Costa’s manager

‘UFC is targeting to book a fight between Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker in March for Interim Title’ says Costa’s manager
Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa

The UFC’s middleweight division has seen some major fights recently; the Middleweight division champion, Israel Adesanya broke the undefeated streak of Paulo Costa by defeating him in the second round with TKO at UFC 253. Robert Whittaker defeated Jared Cannonier by the unanimous decision of the judges at UFC 254 co-main event that put him in the spot for number one contender again.

But Israel Adesanya isn’t interested in a rematch with Robert Whittaker he is eying to challenge the Light Heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and become a two-division champion. But Costa’s manager Walid Ismail says that the promotion is targeting a fight between Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker that can very well be for the interim championship.

In his latest interview with Portal Do Vale Tudo, Ismail says, “UFC has already offered the fight to Costa and Whittaker for March”. He also added that Paulo Costa has agreed to face Whittaker now they are waiting for ‘The Reaper’ to sign the contract. “There is the possibility that the fight could be for the interim middleweight belt,” Ismail said.

FS Video

Why the interim title is coming into the picture?

Israel Adesanya

Paulo Costa and Robert Whittaker are currently number 1 and 2 ranked fighters in the Middleweight division and with Israel Adesanya moving to the Light Heavyweight division it opens the door of possibilities for both of them to hold the Middleweight title in their hand.

Although Adesanya said that he has plans to come back to the Middleweight division after beating Jan Blachowicz. That’s why it is a little surprising that why UFC is considering an interim champ in the division while the current champion is actively competing. Maybe if Adesanya plans to move to the 205 lbs division isn’t it premature to hand out the interim title in Middleweight.

For now, nothing is final but Whittaker is on a run since he lost to Adesanya. He has defeated Darenn Till and Jared Cannonier and Costa are just coming from a loss against Adesanya so even if they fight not for any title it is going to be a great matchup.

Also Read: ‘Conor McGregor owes me $500k’ Tony Ferguson attacks Conor McGregor again