UFC 253 | Pro fighters make their picks for Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa title fight

In the main event of UFC 253, Israel Adesanya is looking for his second title defense when he battles Paulo Costa. Heading into the fight, Adesanya is a -185 favorite while the Brazilian challenger is a +150 underdog.

Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority believe it will be Adesanya using his technical striking to piece up Costa and defending his belt.

BJPENN.com Fighter Picks Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa:

Randy Costa, UFC bantamweight: I think Izzy will put on a clinic. Paulo Costa is tough and has a nice physique, but you have a guy in Adesanya who is a sniper. He will turn Paulo Costa’s head into a Pez dispenser just jabbing his head back. I’m not sure if he will be able to finish because Adesanya doesn’t hit that hard but he is precise. I can’t pick against Izzy.

Tyson Nam, UFC flyweight: If Costa doesn’t knock him out in the first I think Izzy. Adesanya is too technical and will defend his belt.

Andre Ewell, UFC bantamweight: I am going to go with Adesanya. However, Costa can easily end it with one punch. If he gets the knockout I wouldn’t be surprised, but I see Adesanya.

Steven Peterson, UFC featherweight: We’ve all been looking forward to this matchup for a long time. Israel Adesanya is one of the most skillful and entraining champions in a long time. Paulo Costa is an undefeated powerhouse and has been demolishing his opponents. Izzy needs to fight an almost perfect fight. He needs to stick and move and pick apart Costa. On the other side, Paulo only needs to land one and with the power and skill he has, I have to go with him. I predict a shocking fist round KO by Costa.

Frank Camacho, UFC lightweight: I love the way Costa fights and I think he can land the knockout punch.

Kyle Nelson, UFC featherweight: Adesanya has the fight IQ to win this fight. I think he will be able to piece up Costa, avoid the power shots, and get Costa tired. I see Adesanya winning by third or fourth-round TKO.

Clay Collard, former UFC featherweight: Israel will piece up Paulo to defend his belt.

Zak Cummings, UFC middleweight: I want to say Adesanya as I am not on the Costa hype train yet. I was impressed with him against Romero and I can see him starching Adesanya. If he is going to win it will have to be early. I just think Adesanya is too smart and he will find a way to win by avoiding the power and eventually just picking Costa apart.

Brandon Royval, UFC flyweight: That is a really good fight and a tough one. I’ll say Adesanya but man Costa could knock him out. On paper, it looks like a good matchup for Izzy but man, Costa hits so hard.

Yorgan De Castro, UFC heavyweight: I have to go with the champ in Adesanya. Costa will come forward and throw bombs and has a chance. But, I think Adesanya is better.

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Fighters picking Israel Adesanya: Randy Costa, Tyson Nam, Andre Ewell, Kyle Nelson, Clay Collard, Zak Cummings, Brandon Royval, Yorgan De Castro

Fighters picking Paulo Costa: Steven Peterson, Frank Camacho

Who do you think wins the UFC 253 main event between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa?