Paulo Costa says he was surprised by Israel Adesanya’s demeanour during their hotel run-in earlier this week, as he vowed not to let the champion dictate their headline title fight at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi.
The two undefeated fighters square off in a blockbuster bout in the capital on Sunday, which concludes the first of five events at Fight Island 2 on Yas Island. It marks only the second time in UFC history that two unbeaten rivals do battle for a belt.
The pair has been involved in a heated build-up to the clash, with barbs and insults traded on social media and in interviews. Even without that, UFC president Dana White has tipped the encounter to be fight of the year.
However, it seemed a different story between the duo earlier this week, when Adesanya and Costa bumped into one another in their hotel on Yas Island. A video sent out on social media by Costa's team appeared to show the rivals sharing warm words, although Adesanya later told The National that he was simply "sizing up" his opponent.
Speaking to media on Wednesday night, Costa said: “I don’t know what happened, because he changed a lot his personality, his persona. Because the Adesanya that I saw on a video conference was a very disrespectful guy; he show his [middle fingers] all the time to me.
“But when I met him upstairs, he was very kind, very [gentlemanly]. When I saw him I was waiting for a different kind of guy. For him, he came and he gave his hand to shake his hand and he asked me, ‘How are you feeling? Feeling good?’ ‘Okay, I’m good.’ He said, ‘You look very good.’ So it’s OK. If he changed, OK.”
On a cursory level at least, the fight pits against one another two vastly contrasting styles, with Adesanya, 31, viewed as the more technical combatant and Costa, 29, seen to offer raw power. The Brazilian is known for his highlight-reel knockouts.
Costa, whose record in professional mixed martial arts stands at 13-0, recently taunted Adesanya for running from opponents inside the octagon. The Nigerian-born athlete (19-0) was heavily criticised for a lack of action in his most recent bout, when he sealed a unanimous decision in a lacklustre contest against Yoel Romero in February.
Although, that won’t necessarily mean Costa will charge at the champion come Sunday.
UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi
“First of all, I think he’s a [counter-striker],” he said. “Everybody here saw when he fought Romero. If one guy doesn’t push him, he will not push out. He stood, the guy came for him.
“So I will try to push him, to bring him to the fight. But, if he avoids the fight, I will not chase him all the time. I will go back to the middle and cut the angles and try to make the fight happen.”
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Brief scoreline:
Tottenham 1
Son 78'
Manchester City 0
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Everton%20Fixtures
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WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
The biog
Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer
Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
The%20specs
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
RESULT
Bayern Munich 3 Chelsea 2
Bayern: Rafinha (6'), Muller (12', 27')
Chelsea: Alonso (45' 3), Batshuayi (85')
Scoreline:
Manchester City 1
Jesus 4'
Brighton 0
In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
