UFC 278 is set to take place on Saturday, August 20th 2022 and the co-main event between Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa has been a major talking point for many, including UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya.

The outspoken MMA Champion is keeping a close eye on what is happening across the division that he currently reigns over, as a challenger for the 185-pound belt may be just around the corner.

Costa is currently ranked #6 in the Middleweight division, and a win from Rockhold here could catapult him into the top 10.

Here is what Israel Adesanya had to say with regards to the UFC 278 bout between Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa.

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Israel Adesanya on Costa vs Rockhold

Luke Rockhold UFC Press Conference

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 12: Top American contender and former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold speaks at a press conference before a UFC 221 workout session on December 12, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

Speaking on his YouTube channel (via MMANews), ‘The Last Stylebender’ would outline how he believes the contest is going to go.

He said: “Let’s bring out the wine… I’d say Luke should take him down. Luke should start wrestling straight away. Costa though, early on, (is dangerous), and also his hips. I remember with Yoel (Romero), same thing.

“Yoel tried to take Costa down and Costa had the overhook, and he just wizarded him, and they got back up and smiled at each other.

“Luke, if he can just wrestle him, get him tired, wear those muscles out… do what I did, teep his legs, establish leg kicks a little bit, and start wrestling straight away. Make him second guess.”

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The Last Stylebender’s Official Pick

UFC 278 Poster Usman vs Edwards 2

Image Credit: UFC

Adesanya would conclude by giving his official stance on how the fight will end, and it was pretty surprising. 

He noted: “Costa, I think just do what he does. Just barrage him. If he clips him, he’s probably gonna drop Luke. Official pick… my brain goes Luke, so I’mma put Luke.”

It’s quite the prediction from the reigning 185-pound Champion, as Rockhold enters the contest as the underdog.

Either way, we’re hoping for a fantastic showing from the former rival of ‘The Count’ Michael Bisping, and for Rockhold to prove that he can still hang with the top fighters in the Middleweight division!

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