Costa Seeks Double Champ Status And Has Choice Words For Sonnen
Paulo Costa’s undefeated run in the UFC’s middleweight division has been nothing short of impressive. After running roughshod over Johny Hendricks and Uriah Hall, ‘Borrachinha’ bested Yoel Romero in a close decision at UFC 241. The win earned him a title shot with division champion Israel Adesanya, but the Brazilian appears to have his sights set even higher.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Costa declared his intentions to become a two division UFC champion.
“I believe I can take two belts, middleweight and light heavyweight. I believe that. I’m very big, and it’s a little difficult to make 185 [pounds], so I think I can take two belts to my country after my next fight.
“My plan is to move to light heavyweight very soon, quickly after my next fight if it’s possible. It depends who, if light heavyweight will have a great name like Jon Jones or not, it depends, but I’m not scared to fight against big guys.”
Before he can go for a second belt, Costa needs to get past Adesanya. Whom he accused of ducking Jones, despite calling him out.
“Like the skinny guy Adesanya, he calls Jon Jones out, but when Jon Jones accepts, he says, ‘No I need two years to train,’ … so it’s not good,” Costa explained. “Nobody can call something and when his challenge [is] accepted, he says, ‘No, not now.’ This is shameful s***. I won’t be that. I’m ready, if I want to fight in light heavyweight right now, I can do that. So I believe after this fight, I will move to the next step, on the next shot.”
Not content with calling out Adesanya, Paulo is also picking fights outside of the Octagon. Taking to social media, Costa called out Chael Sonnen for showing some support towards Israel Adesanya. In his trademark sunglasses and Brazilian accent, the 29 year old chastised and taunted Sonnen (as transcribed by BJPenn.com).
“Hello guys. Just a little break from my workout to do some questions. Yes, I would like to know from one guy, who name himself the ‘Bad Guy’, yes. I am talking about Chael Sonnen. Hey Chael, what’s up man? I hope you’re doing well. So I have a question for you Chael. What happened between you and ‘Skinny Guy’ (Israel Adesanya) at the stadium? You know, because to me, it looked like a honeymoon. A honeymoon between you and him. Or you know…
“Chael, what happened? What happened between you and ‘Skinny Guy’ at the stadium? I mean because you know to me it looked like a honeymoon. A honeymoon between you and him. Or you know, I don’t know what happened, but I would like to know. Because you just talked good thing about him even when he lost to Yoel Romero in his last fight. Yes, I am talking about the worst fight ever. So I would like to know if you got paid to talk good about him. I really don’t believe that. Or, are you on honeymoon with him?”
Whether or not Costa truly plans to move up to light heavyweight remains to be seen. However, if the Brazilian is able to beat Adesanya in the Octagon, the stage will certainly be set for a shot at the 205lbs title.
How does Paulo Costa match up with Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones inside the UFC Octagon?
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