Israel Adesanya has delivered a brutal message to Paulo Costa ahead of his UFC 318 co-main event bout against Roman Kopylov.
In a recent video posted to his Youtube channel Freestylebender, the former middleweight champion didn't hold back when reflecting on Costa's recent career trajectory.
"Costa, where’s he been?" Adesanya said.
"Just show up man."
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Costa hasn't fought since his bizarre performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 302, and Adesanya clearly wants to see him return to form.
"Costa just needs to get serious again," he said.
"Just show some balls man, go back to who you were before you fought me."
Their own bout at UFC 253 ended with Adesanya finishing Costa in dominant fashion. Since then, the Brazilian's momentum has stalled.
"Be motivated. Be disciplined. In the fight as well, not just leading up to the fight," Adesanya said.
"Don’t get caught up in the hoopla and the crowd and trying to entertain."
Costa's professionalism has come under fire in the past, pulling out of several fights over the last five years.
"Show up to fight, he’s had so many… like once he didn't make weight," Adesanya said.
"This is going to be a good standup fight.
"Costa, if you win this fight you can fight me again."
Adesanya's next career steps aren't clear after his latest defeat in February against Nassourdine Imavov.
If Costa is to get the win at UFC 318, a rematch between the two isn't out of the question as the UFC may be interested in reigniting their rivalry.