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Why is Paulo Costa rooting for Israel Adesanya over Robert Whittaker? ‘I really want to knock him out cold’

Paulo Costa will fly to Melbourne to watch Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya unify the middleweight titles in the main event of UFC 232 on Oct. 5, and he’s pulling for Adesanya to win.

“Borrachinha” is likely next in line for the 185-pound championship after a close decision victory over Yoel Romero in August. He hopes to have solidified his case for being the rightful title contender after defeating Yoel Romero, an opponent he calls “the toughest guy in the division.”

Still recovering from surgery on his left bicep, Costa, who sustained the injury more than one year ago, guarantees he’ll ready to enter the cage by December.