Israel Adesanya Set For UFC Return In Abu Dhabi With Paulo Costa Rematch In The Works

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is reportedly on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the octagon, with a blockbuster rematch against Brazilian contender Paulo Costa in the works for UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

According to UFC media outlet @OctagonPulse, the fight is not yet officially confirmed by UFC President Dana White, but negotiations are advancing quickly and fans should expect an announcement in the coming weeks. If finalized, the bout will serve as one of the headline attractions of UFC 321, potentially on the same card as the heavyweight title clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.

A Rivalry Reignited

Adesanya and Costa last faced each other in September 2020 at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi, in a fight that ended in a decisive second-round knockout victory for the Nigerian-New Zealander. That performance cemented Adesanya’s dominance at the time, extending his undefeated run and solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic strikers in mixed martial arts.

The rematch comes nearly five years later, but with very different circumstances. Adesanya, who once held the middleweight crown for over three years, is now seeking redemption after a difficult run of form that saw him lose three consecutive bouts following his spectacular knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC 287.

Costa, meanwhile, has been on a rebuilding journey of his own. The Brazilian, known for his aggressive power striking, earned a unanimous decision victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318 in July, reasserting himself as a dangerous presence in the middleweight division.

Stakes Could Not Be Higher

For Adesanya, nicknamed “The Last Stylebender”, UFC 321 could be a career-defining night. Despite setbacks, his record remains one of the most decorated in the division. He boasts victories over elite opponents including Robert Whittaker (twice), Yoel Romero, Marvin Vettori, and even the legendary Anderson Silva. His creative striking, feints, and counter-attacking style have long set him apart from his peers.

Currently ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight rankings, Adesanya needs a victory to prove he is still among the division’s elite. A loss, however, could push him further from title contention and raise questions about the twilight of his fighting career.

For Costa, ranked #12, a win over Adesanya would be the biggest of his career. It would not only avenge his UFC 253 defeat but also catapult him back into the upper echelon of contenders. With Khamzat Chimaev now holding the middleweight belt, both Adesanya and Costa see this fight as their best chance to position themselves for a future title shot.

Global Spotlight on Abu Dhabi

The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi has become a regular venue for some of the UFC’s biggest events, thanks to the UFC’s long-standing partnership with the UAE Department of Culture and Tourism. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when “Fight Island” first captured the imagination of fans worldwide, Abu Dhabi has established itself as a global hub for MMA.

According to ESPN MMA, UFC cards hosted in Abu Dhabi often attract international audiences and boost the UFC’s reach in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The presence of Adesanya — one of Africa’s most celebrated fighters alongside Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou — is expected to generate significant interest, particularly among fans in Nigeria, New Zealand, and the African diaspora.

Adesanya’s Legacy on the Line

Adesanya’s recent struggles do not erase his dominance from 2019 to 2022, when he defended his middleweight belt seven times, a feat matched only by the great Anderson Silva. But critics argue that his creative flair has been less visible in his recent outings, and his confidence has waned after suffering defeats against Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis.

Still, Adesanya has built a reputation as one of MMA’s biggest box office draws. His return is likely to boost pay-per-view sales and global viewership. Speaking to BT Sport earlier this year, Adesanya emphasized his determination: “Every setback is just a setup for a greater comeback. I’m still hungry, and I still believe I can beat anyone in this division.”

Costa Hungry for Revenge

Costa has not forgotten the humiliation of his 2020 defeat. In past interviews with MMA Fighting, he described that night as the lowest point of his career, vowing that a rematch would be different. With his improved conditioning and recent performances, Costa believes he has the tools to pressure Adesanya and avoid falling into the same trap.

Analysts, however, note that Costa’s aggressive style could once again play into Adesanya’s strengths. If Costa charges recklessly, Adesanya’s counter-striking could prove decisive — just as it did in their first encounter.

What Fans Can Expect

If confirmed, Adesanya vs. Costa II is expected to be part of a stacked UFC 321 card that includes high-stakes heavyweight and lightweight contests. For casual fans, it represents a chance to see one of the UFC’s most entertaining rivalries reignited. For diehard followers, it is a crossroads fight that could reshape the middleweight division for years to come.

Conclusion

While official confirmation is still pending, anticipation is building for Israel Adesanya’s potential return at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. A rematch with Paulo Costa offers drama, redemption, and perhaps the last chance for The Last Stylebender to reclaim his place among MMA’s greatest. For African fight fans and the global MMA audience, October 25 could deliver another unforgettable night inside the octagon.