Paulo Costa is coming off of a unanimous decision win over Yoel Romero this past weekend at UFC 241.
A victorious Costa believes that if he gets the opportunity to fight UFC Interim Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, it would lead to Costa killing Adesanya.
?I think that both are looking to me, scared,? Costa said at the UFC 241 post-fight press conference (via Alexander K. Lee of MMA Fighting). ?Because both guys know now they have a very, very tough guy looking for them. I think Whittaker will beat Adesanya, but I beat Romero. For me, Romero won against Robert Whittaker, but if Adesanya won, takes the belt, man I can kill that guy. He?s very skinny, he does not have a chance against me.?
Costa could be the backup fighter for that UFC 243 main event, but it is a role that the fighter is refusing.
?No, absolutely not. ? Not backup,? Costa said. ?I trained [too] hard to be a backup. I train so hard. I need to confirm the fight to do my camp. My camp is wild, it?s jungle wild. Look, I forget to say in the Octagon, I broke my ribs this year. I broke two ribs in this last camp. I broke my biceps, clear off the leg. This is crazy. I bring nine fighters to spar with me. Our guys go back to home with injuries because of wild training camp. I cannot be a backup, I need to confirm that fight to make my camp.?
The Brazilian slugger is ranked #7 in the UFC Middleweight Division, meaning that he is getting closer to a potential shot at either Adesanya or Whittaker.