The fireworks between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa have been reignited in a live on-air interview on American sports network ESPN's flagship Sportscenter on Friday (NZ time).
On September 27 (NZT), the pair will fight in the main event of UFC 253, where Adesanya will attempt to defend his UFC middleweight title for the second time.
During the satellite cross, the fighters traded a string of expletive-laden barbs, with 'The Last Stylebender' quickly returning fire after Costa's accusations he was "running away scared" during his last win over Yoel Romero.
"He's dumb and he walks forward and he throws shots," Adesanya said.
"That's what makes it really exciting and that's what I'm looking forward to. I'm looking forward to a big, inflated ignoramus running up on me, trying to throw shots as I keep moving and sticking him.
"The two have been taking shots at one another on social media for over two years, with the output ramping up after Adesanya taunted Costa - who attempted to leap the railing at cageside - immediately after knocking out Robert Whittaker to win the world title in October last year.
"I will face you very, very soon, and I will have an opportunity to show you what I tried to show on that moment," Costa said.
Both of the undefeated fighters' most recent wins have come via unanimous decision against Cuban Romero.
Adesanya was beamed live from inside Auckland's City Kickboxing gym, where he's living and training fulltime in a fight "marae" with trainer Eugene Bareman and nine other fighters, including fellow UFC 253 combatants Shane Young, Kai Kara-France and Brad Riddell.
At one stage, Costa removed his shirt to show off his alleged superior physique to Adesanya, who he persistently called "skinny guy". Adesanya responded by feigning gagging.
The Brazilian has also taken umbrage with Adesnaya's promotional methods.
"I don't like these kind of [trash-talkers] and I believe the fans [don't] also," said Costa.
"This sport doesn't need this kind of attitude. You don't need this to sell a good fight. You just need to go and make a good fight."
Adesanya welcomed Costa's promise of an aggressive approach to their bout, promising to meet fire with fire.
"When someone brings the fight, I f**king fight," Adesanya said.
"You say you're going to bring the fight, right? Bring that shit. Yes [Costa is] dumb, but that's what makes him dangerous as well because he's not scared to walk forward and throw and he's strong.
"But the same thing happens when they step in the cage with me, when they see me and feel me, they say, 'Oh my God, he's a lot stronger than I thought. Oh my God, he's a lot bigger than I thought.' It's nothing different."
