Marvin Vettori says Paulo Costa’s weight fiasco at UFC Vegas 41 was ‘a trap’ (Video)

Marvin Vettori believes that Paulo Costa was using his weight issues as mind games heading into UFC Vegas 41.

Middleweight contender Marvin Vettori gutted out a hard-fought victory over the big and powerful Costa. The Italian product says that his foe was attempting to sike him out prior to their fight.

“I’m glad I didn’t let go of all that tension before the fight thinking that he’s not ready, he didn’t train, he’s fat, and he’s not taking this seriously because he actually did,” Vettori told reporters. “It was a trap a little bit I think. I mean, he was ready to scratch the fight for sure, but he was ready also.”

For Vettori, there was never a moment where he considered not fighting Costa at UFC Vegas 41. He acknowledges the fact that Costa’s size was difficult at times to deal with, but the UFC contender is confident he can defeat anyone in the division.

“MMA and this sport, it’s my sport,” he affirmed. “I’m able to deal with anybody. I don’t care about the weight, I’m able to deal with anybody and the cage is my house. This is my sport.”

Marvin Vettori likely not fighting again until 2022, but leaves the door open

“We’ll see, we’ll see, whatever makes sense I’ll be ready to go,” he proclaimed. “I don’t think I’m gonna fight before the end of the year, but it’s easy to trick me into good fights. Who knows, maybe in February somebody gets injured. Who knows, so I’ll get back in the gym and train and show up ready to put on a helluva show.”

Vettori is currently ranked at No. 5 in the middleweight rankings and Dana White mentioned that the winner of Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier is likely next in line for a title shot.

Whether it’s the loser of Brunson/Cannonier or the loser of Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, you can count on Vettori being willing for whatever challenge is in front of him.