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Marvin Vettori believes he's superior fighter, but Paulo Costa 'still dangerous' regardless of weight issues

LAS VEGAS – Marvin Vettori isn’t exactly thrilled with Paulo Costa and his apparent weight issues, but “The Italian Dream” isn’t going to underestimate that challenge that remains in front of him at UFC Fight Night 196.

“I don’t know what to make of his mentality, man,” Vettori told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Wednesday’s media day at the UFC Apex. “It could be all fake confidence, and I’ve got to expect the best version of himself, even though his weight is not good.

“I haven’t seen him. He hasn’t been posting much. I haven’t seen much of him, so I’m still expecting the best version of himself, and I’m ready still. But you know, I’m not going to let this, like, pre-fight tension and pre-fight readiness go, you know, in a sense. I’ll be still ready to face the best version of himself.”

While Vettori hadn’t interacted with his opponent yet on fight week, the Italian middleweight said he had received information that Costa came to Las Vegas quite heavy and would likely not be able to make the 186-pound non-title limit. Costa later confirmed that cut would be impossible and would need a catchweight in order for the fight to proceed.

Vettori (17-4-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC) and Costa (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) are currently scheduled to headline Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 196, which streams live on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.

With Costa returning to the cage for the first time in 13 months, it’s a bit troubling to think the former middleweight title challenger might need to make a fight-week request for a shift closer to 205 pounds. But Vettori insists it’s imperative he doesn’t try to read too much into Costa’s apparent weight issues, which could lead him to underestimate the challenge.

“It could (be a bad sign for his mentality),” Vettori said. “It could, yes. I mean, it’s kind of hard to deny that. But at the same time, I can’t let it get to my head: ‘Ah, he’s not going to be ready,’ this and that. No.

“I expect him the best that he’s ever been – and he’s actually heavier than he’s ever been. Then I’ve got to beat him the worst he’s ever been beaten. That’s what is in my mind.”

To see the full interview with Vettori, check out the video above.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

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