Paulo Costa is calling for a rematch against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Days after losing to Adesanya via second-round TKO at UFC 253, Costa took to social media to express his anger with Adesanya's post-fight antics in the octagon.
"I come here to talk about the actions that the human trash did after our fight," Costa said on Instagram. "I didn't see when I was there in the cage, but I saw now. I disapprove 100 percent. To me, this is mortal now. Nobody will stop me. Nobody can stop me. I want my rematch. You know I am waiting for you.
Costa's comments refer to the vulgar gestures Adesanya made after the fight ended. Rather than backing away from the turtled-up Costa after the fight ended, Adesanya made a crude sexual gesture. The champion also exchanged words with Costa' coach Eric Albarracin after the bout.
Given how lopsided the match played out, it's very unlikely that Costa will get an immediate rematch against Adesanya. Although the middleweight contender alluded to some sort of possible injury that may have occurred before the fight, possibly impacting his approach.
"Something happened before the fight," Costa claimed. "I'm not [making] excuses here to my people, to my fans, but I will be 100 percent to fight him and make him pay. That's my word. Save my words."
Adesanya said after the fight that he would like to face Jared Connonier in his next title defense. Cannonier is currently scheduled to face former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 254 on October 24.