Melquizel Costa headlines UFC Vegas 117 for the first time, facing English featherweight Arnold Allen. Costa enters the event on a six-fight winning streak and is coming off a finish of Dan Ige. He reacted positively to receiving the main event offer and described seeing his face on the event poster as incredible. Costa views Allen’s striking and grappling as strong but believes the fight is his moment, saying he will knock Allen out. He expects electrifying striking early, Allen to attempt a takedown, and Costa to potentially submit him in the first round, while predicting a knockout in the second. Costa plans to have at least three fights in 2026, including bouts for rankings, contention, and a title shot.
"My manager called me, 'hey Melky, you're like on vacation. Hunter [Campbell, UFC Chief Business Officer] called me right now, main event, you versus Arnold Allen. You like?' 'Oh, it's good. I love it. Let's go.'"
"This is perfect for me. Arnold Allen has great fighting, great striking with great grappling. And he has been in the UFC a long time, but this is my moment. Sorry Allen, but I'm going to knock you out."
"I think it's going to be an electrifying fight, a lot of crazy striking in the beginning. I think he's going to try to take me down, because even strikers, when they feel my punches they decide to grapple. I can submit him in the first round too, but I think it's going to be a knockout in the second."
"This year, I'll have at least three fights. One for the ranking, one to get in the mix for the belt, and one for the belt."
Read at Cageside Press
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