ADESANYA SET FOR UFC RETURN IN REMATCH WITH COSTA

By: Gyang Dakwo

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is reportedly close to making his return to the Octagon in a rematch with Paulo Costa at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.

The two fighters last clashed at UFC 253 in September 2020, when the Nigerian New Zealander stopped the Brazilian with a second-round knockout to keep his middleweight crown. Their meeting ended dramatically, and fans have been waiting to see them face each other again.

Although the rematch has not yet been officially confirmed by UFC President Dana White, it is expected to be part of the main card at UFC 321. The fight could even serve as the co main event alongside the heavyweight title clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.

Adesanya, who is now 35 years old, lost his middleweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022. He reclaimed the belt with a spectacular knockout in their rematch at UFC 287, but his second reign was short lived as he dropped the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023.

That loss was followed by defeats to Dricus du Plessis and Jared Cannonier, leaving him on the toughest run of his career. Yet despite the setbacks, Adesanya remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC middleweight history, with seven successful title defenses during his reign. His record also includes wins over Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero, Kelvin Gastelum, Alex Pereira, and the legendary Anderson Silva.

Currently ranked number four in the division, Adesanya knows that a victory over Costa could reignite his chase for another shot at the belt, which is now held by Khamzat Chimaev.

Meanwhile, Costa enters the potential rematch in good form, having secured a unanimous decision win against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in July. The Brazilian, ranked number 12, will see the fight as his chance to avenge the only knockout defeat of his career and strengthen his case for a return to title contention.

If it is confirmed, Adesanya versus Costa II promises to be another explosive chapter in one of the UFC’s most interesting middleweight rivalries. An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks as the build up to UFC 321 continues. The event will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.