Manager Ali Abdelaziz doesn’t see the matchup between Marvin Vettori and Paulo Costa playing out on the feet for too long.
The Dominance MMA CEO said his client, Vettori, is rejuvenated following his title loss to UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in June and expects him to overwhelm Costa in their UFC Fight Night 196 headliner on Oct. 23.
Although Vettori (17-5-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC) has used a grapple-heavy approach in fights, Abdelaziz said it’s Costa (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) who will resort to wrestling once the pair stands and trades.
“The amount of volume he’s throwing, the amount of intensity he’s throwing, this is a new Marvin,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. “Marvin may have lost his last title fight, but he gained a lot of confidence. He knows he’s 27 years old – he’s still a kid. And I believe Costa is a tough fighter, but he will stop him in three rounds. Too much pressure, too much volume – I think we’re going to see Costa shooting.
“He’s going to try and wrestle Marvin because the amount of intensity he’s going to bring into the fight is insane, especially in a small cage. I’m not just saying things to say things – I see it. Normally, the hard work you put in the gym is going to transfer to the cage, and I think we’re going to see a very, very great, fun fight. (I predict) Marvin by stoppage, under three rounds.”
Both Vettori and Costa are looking to rebound from title losses to Adesanya. Prior to his setback to the champion, Vettori had won five straight, including back-to-back wins over Jack Hermansson and Kevin Holland.
Loading…
Ali Abdelaziz: Marvin Vettori’s pressure and volume will cause Paulo Costa to shoot on him