The grudge match between UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and unbeaten contender Paulo Costa finally has a date!
Adesanya (19-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will make his second title defense when he meets Costa (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC 253.
The bout takes place at September 19, likely on “Fight Island” at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Both sides have agreed to the details following an initial report from Brazilian news outlet Combate.
Adesanya will attempt to extend the undefeated start to his MMA career to 20 consecutive fights.
Costa has not competed since a win of his own against Romero at UFC 241 in August. The Brazilian would have gotten his title shot earlier, but he suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery.
The latest UFC 253 card now includes:
Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa – for middleweight title
Mackenzie Dern vs. Randa Markos
Hakeem Dawodu vs. Zubaira Tukhugov
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane