UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to defend his title against Brazilain Paulo Costa on September 20 (NZ time) at UFC 253, according to reports.
Adesanya had already been locked in for his second title defence against Costa, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult to organise a date and location for the contest.
ESPN reports the fight will take place in September, but a location is yet to be confirmed, with Las Vegas and 'Fight Island' at Abu Dhabi touted as possible venues.
Adesanya (19-0) successfully defended the middleweight title for the first time in March, before the coronavirus brought the sporting world to a halt, defeating Cuban Yoel Romero via unanimous decision.
Although the fight was supposed to be against his bitter rival, Costa was ruled out of the contest, after tearing his left bicep.
Costa hasn't fought since August 2019, when he beat Romero via unanimous decision.
The duo began a war of words even before Adesanya defeated Australian Robert Whittaker to win the middleweight title last October.
Earlier this week, Adesanya told Newshub that New Zealand would be the perfect place to host the fight, with the UFC exploring the possibility of hosting another event downunder to take advantage of its crowds amid relatively coronavirus-free conditions.
"That's a no-brainer," Adesanya told Newshub. "100 percent, f**k yeah.
"I have to headline Spark Arena before my career is over and to defend my title there against this inflated balloon animal, that'd be beautiful."
