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Luke Rockhold may be a fairly significant underdog opposite Paulo Costa this weekend at UFC 278, but Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is backing him.
The pivotal Middleweight co-main event between Rockhold and Costa could go a long way in determining a future title challenger, so it makes sense that Adesanya is paying attention. Breaking down the match up on his YouTube channel, Adesanya emphasized the importance of wearing down Costa early with kicks and takedowns.
“Luke should take him down,” Adesanya said (via MMAJunkie). “Luke, start wrestling straight away. Costa, though, early on (is dangerous). His hips – I remember when Yoel, same thing. Yoel tried to take down Costa, and Costa had the overhook and just whizzered him and then got back up, and they smiled at each other.
“But Luke, if he can wrestle him and get him tired, wear those muscles out. Luke, try to wrestle him straight away. Do what I did: Teep his legs, establish leg kicks a little bit, but start wrestling straight away and make him tired, make him second guess. Make him know he can be taken down or there’s a threat of being taken down.”
On the flip side, Adesanya doesn’t expect much different from Costa. The Brazilian is known for his power punching and combinations, whereas Rockhold has struggled with big hitters in the latter half of his career, suffering his three most recent defeats via knockout.
“Costa, just do what he does,” Adesanya said. “Just barrage him, clip him. If he clips him, he’s probably going to drop Luke.”
“With the time off, hopefully his brain has recovered as much as it can,” Adesanya continued. “My brain goes Luke, so I’m gonna put Luke.”
We’ll find out if Adesanya’s analysis and prediction is on the money Saturday night.
Insomnia
Luke Rockhold with a post in support of his longtime team mate, Cain Velasquez.
I’ve actually rolled with Raul Rosas Jr a few times over the years, his jiu-jitsu at least is genuinely black belt level. Should be fun!
Wow, 17 year old, 5-0 Raul Rosas Jr signed #DWCS contract.. potential record breaking stuff incoming@arielhelwani @BigMarcel24 @AlexBehunin @MMAJunkie @MMAFighting @mmawizzard
— Myles Hutton (@MylesHutton15) August 16, 2022
Remember when Colby Covington claimed that Lil Wayne was going to walk out with him at UFC 268? Never happened.
Sky is the limit @LilTunechi pic.twitter.com/yjuYOaEX1g
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) August 16, 2022
Kevin Holland is out in the world doing good.
Gassed up about 100 cars. Gave out 50 lunch boxes and 20 backpacks with gift cards. ‘The Helping Brothers’ first charity event was a success! Can’t wait to do it again. pic.twitter.com/aREszRgV66
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) August 15, 2022
Why are Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen mouthing off at each other? We do not need this in 2022. We didn’t need it in 2017!
My father released me from that verbal contract when he heard you tap from heaven. https://t.co/5cqlZyRbqN
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) August 16, 2022
The lead up to Paulo Costa vs. Marvin Vettori was top-tier hilarity.
Paulo Costa fight week pic.twitter.com/f3KYgWDiUd
— Super Fan (@McGregorRousey) August 15, 2022
Kamaru Usman has a chance to tie Anderson Silva this weekend. He’ll probably never defend his title as many times as “Spider” or Georges St. Pierre, but that doesn’t mean the first eight wins of his UFC career don’t count!
What are the chances of Usman tying Anderson Silva this weekend?#KamaruUsman #UFC278 #UFC pic.twitter.com/Gc2dK3998g
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) August 16, 2022
There’s only one Tony Ferguson.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
RIP Judo Gene.
I feel like straights to the body from the open stance engagement are becoming more common fight-ending shots.
Denis Sulimov KO’s Aleksey Ilyenko with a brutal straight right hand to the body#RCCIntro22 pic.twitter.com/dkCj3rQZrk
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 13, 2022
Muay Thai in MMA gloves is so nasty.
BOOM!
Thai with a nasty lead uppercut knockout against Moradokpetch. The heavy-hitter moves into the Flyweight Road to ONE finals, one step closer to earning himself a ONE Championship contract. pic.twitter.com/SiCQpkI4nv
— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) August 13, 2022
Random Land
“Lions is lucky Canada gooses don’t migrate to Africa.”
Midnight Music: Hip-hop, 2022
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.