Israel Adesanya invites ‘new blood’ Khamzat Chimaev to beat up old rival Paulo Costa to set up potential super fight

Israel Adesanya was questioned about his prediction for the co-main event at UFC 294, which features Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev.

Israel Adesanya invites ‘new blood’ Khamzat Chimaev to beat up old rival Paulo Costa to set up potential super fight

Israel Adesanya and Khamzat Chimaev (Image via Imago)

Damon Martin recently interviewed Israel Adesanya and the “Stylebender” had his own opinions about the contenders in the middleweight division. Adesanya is scheduled to fight Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293.

During the interview, Adesanya was asked about the UFC 294 co-main event prediction. Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev will fight in the co-main event of UFC 294. Stylebender said, “I don’t know who’s gonna win. But yeah, I think I’m favoring Khamzat because i like new blood.” Adesanya’s rooting for Khamzat is due to him clearing the division already. Martin further praised Adesanya for being an active champion.

YouTube video

Israel Adesanya last fought at UFC 287, defeating Alex Periera in a rematch to reclaim the middleweight title. Adesanya was supposed to fight Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 293, but the South African withdrew due to a foot injury. Strickland was roped in as a last-minute replacement following his victory over Abus Magomedov.

FS Video

Sean Strickland is coming off two consecutive victories over up-and-comers in Nassourdine Imavov and Abus Magomedov. More than his fighting, Strickland’s outspoken comments have gotten attention among fans worldwide.

Related: “This is exactly what your mindset should be” – Dana White throws shade to Aljamain Sterling – Merab Dvalishvili friendship using Rose Namajunas as example

Israel Adesanya vows to knock out Sean Strickland with painted fingernails

Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland
Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland (Image courtesy: IMAGO)

Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya don’t see eye-to-eye. Their interaction during the UFC 276 pre-fight press conference was the highlight of the fight week, even though they were fighting different opponents. Strickland has not accepted Adesanya’s style and life choices as rational.

Sean Strickland has accused Adesanya of watching cartoon p*rn and also criticized the middleweight champion for painting his fingernails. Strickland considers it a form of weakness, and he trolls Adesanya regularly. In response to these statements, Adesanya, in his interview with Damon Martin, vowed to paint his nails before the fight and knock him out. Following this, he would be watching cartoon p*rn at the hotel.

Adesanya is a huge favorite going into the fight. Eric Nicksick, the coach of Sean Strickland has already admitted that Adesanya is the worst stylistic matchup for Strickland. Adesanya is known to take all fights seriously, irrespective of their chances of victory.

In case you missed it!