Yes, Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa are fighting next month at UFC 253. On September 26, the UFC announced during the UFC 252 broadcast. Something UFC President Dana White also confirmed Saturday.
Which means the original date of September 19 is open, in terms of a headliner. Earlier this week, Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington both let slip that they would be topping that card. And it appears that is in fact the case.
“I think it is. I think it’s done,” White said during Saturday’s UFC 252 post-fight press conference, when asked about the September 19 headliner. “If it’s not, listen, they’re both talking about it on social media. So hopefully it’s done.”
Woodley (19-5-1) is currently on the first two-fight losing streak of his career. After losing his welterweight title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235, Woodley returned to action in May, dropping a bout to Gilbert Burns. Both losses came via unanimous decision.
Controversial former interim welterweight champ Covington (15-2), meanwhile, is coming off a title-fight loss against Usman at UFC 245 back in December. He’s long sought a fight with Woodley, and there’s no doubt the pairing will turn into a grudge match, given Covington’s usual antics.
