Israel Adesanya reaction to Robert Whittaker's decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298

Adesanya offers advice to Whittaker and Costa after UFC 298 fight. Possible trilogy fight between Adesanya and Whittaker in the works.

Israel Adesanya has some advice for Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa after their recent UFC 298 fight. The two fighters used heavy leg-kicking attacks, which visibly impacted their movement as the fight went on. Adesanya has had intense rivalries with both Whittaker and Costa, defeating them in the past. Now, with all three working their way up to a title shot, it's possible they may cross paths again.

Whittaker managed to outpoint Costa at UFC 298, earning a unanimous decision win in a back-and-forth contest that saw both fighters absorb a significant amount of damage. Adesanya, who was watching closely, took to social media after the fight to offer some advice: "Hear me out... Post-fight ice baths. Right after doctor's check-up."

Adesanya held the UFC middleweight championship from 2019 to 2023, with the exception of a knockout loss to Alex Pereira in their first MMA fight. Despite that loss, Adesanya dominated most of his opponents. After defeating Whittaker at UFC 243, the two had a closely contested rematch at UFC 271.

It was expected that Whittaker's potential win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290 would set up a highly anticipated trilogy fight with Adesanya. However, Du Plessis and Strickland's victories over Whittaker and Adesanya, respectively, changed the course of the division.

Whittaker expressed that a win over Costa could open up many opportunities for him, including a trilogy fight against Adesanya. Meanwhile, Adesanya has taken an extended break from competition after losing the 185-pound title against Strickland in September 2023. Recent updates suggest that he may be gearing up for a comeback, with his name being proposed for the headline of the milestone UFC 300 pay-per-view event scheduled for April 12, 2024. However, UFC CEO Dana White recently put an end to the speculation by announcing a massive main event for the card.

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