UFC 253: Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa exchange banter after crossing paths in Abu Dhabi hotel

Unbeaten middleweight fighters headline the first event of the second Fight Island series in the capital

Israel Adesanya celebrates his decision win over Yoel Romero. AFP

UFC 248 was the last fight night to take place, in Las Vegas on March 8, before the lockdown on sports events. Here Israel Adesanya fends off Yoel Romero during their middleweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena. AFP

Yoel Romero reacts at the end of his fight against Israel Adesanya. AFP

Israel Adesanya argues with Yoel Romero's corner after his decision win at UFC 248. AFP

Israel Adesanya is escorted out of the ring after a decision win over Yoel Romero. AFP

Israel Adesanya fights Yoel Romero during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Reuters

Israel Adesanya lands a punch on Yoel Romero during UFC 248. Reuters

Israel Adesanya fights Yoel Romero during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena. Reuters

Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero during their middleweight title fight at UFC 248. Reuters

Zhang Weili celebrates her win by decision over Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the women's strawweight title fight at UFC 248. AP Photo

Joanna Jedrzejczyk touches her swollen forehead at the end of a round during a split decision loss to Weili Zhang. AFP

Weili Zhang takes a punch form Joanna Jedrzejczyk while attempting to land a kick. AFP

Weili Zhang lands a punch on Joanna Jedrzejczyk during their fight at UFC 248. AFP

Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk trade blows during their title fight at UFC 248. AFP

Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk trade blows during their title fight at UFC 248. AP Photo

Middleweight rivals Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa got to size up one another a week out from their blockbuster headline clash at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi.

The champion and the challenger bumped into each other at what appeared to be their hotel on Yas Island on Sunday, ahead of the title encounter at the Fight Island 2 opener next week.

In a brief meeting, the two prize fighters put aside their heated rivalry to share a warm word, with champion Adesanya commenting on Costa’s physique.

After he remarked that the No 2-ranked contender looked skinny, Costa replied, “I look lean, never skinny", before Adesanya jokingly requested he remain that way ahead of the pay-per-view main event.

While it all seemed pretty cordial, the pair go head-to-head next Sunday in the UAE capital, where someone’s undefeated record will have to go.

Adesanya sits at 19-0 having defeated Yoel Romero on points in February, while Costa hasn’t fought in the octagon since outpointing the same Cuban in August last year. The Brazilian’s record is 13-0.

UFC 253 is the first of five events on Fight Island 2, which concludes on October 24 with undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov's return against interim belt-holder Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. The three events between fall on October 4, 11 and 18.