UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya put on a masterclass display of technique in his winning effort against Paulo Costa at UFC 253 this past Saturday.
After a round of technical boxing, leg kicks and footwork, Adesanya (20-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and Costa (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) moved into Round 2 – what proved to be the final round of the fight. Adesanya finished Costa with punches. A left hook was the beginning of the end for Costa, who fell to the canvas. A few follow-up shots later, Adesanya retained his belt in his second successful UFC title defense.
Also featured in UFC 253 “Fight Motion” is new light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz earning gold with a second-round TKO of Dominick Reyes, sequences from a wild “Fight of the Night” bonus-earning fight between Brandon Royval and Kai-Kara-France, as well as a whole host of undercard battles.
UFC 253 took place Saturday at Flash Forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Check out UFC 253 “Fight Motion” in the video above.
