Arnold Allen breaks Melquizael Costa. Arnold Allen overwhelmed Melquizael Costa over five hard-fought rounds, The UFC headed back to Las Vegas this weekend with a crucial featherweight main event as Arnold Allen faces surging Brazilian contender Melquizael Costa at UFC Vegas 117 on May 16, 2026, inside the UFC Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Arnold Allen entered into this main event needing a statement win. Once seen as one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous contenders, Allen has had a rough stretch recently, going 1-3 in his last four fights.. Allen most recently suffered a defeat to rising contender Jean Silva, Before that, Allen returned to winning ways with an important victory over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304 reminding fans why he remains respected in the division.
Allen also dropped a competitive fight to Movsar Evloev. Prior to that, Allen suffered a defeat to former champion Max Holloway in a major step up in competition. Despite the setbacks, Allen still holds a strong résumé and plenty of top-level experience.
Costa got into this fight as one of the hottest names in the division. The Brazilian is currently on a six-fight winning streak, with his momentum growing after a series of impressive finishes and strong performances. Costa’s latest win came against veteran Dan Ige at UFC Houston whom he finished with a spectacular spinning back kick and punches in February 2026. This marked the first stoppage loss of Ige’s MMA career. Before that, Costa knocked out Morgan Charrière with a first-round head kick. Costa also stacked wins over respected names like Julian Erosa, Christian Rodriguez, and Andre Fili during his current streak. Costa’s confidence is clearly at an all-time high entering his first UFC main event.
Allen started fast with calf kicks and forward pressure, while Costa answered with kicks and a spinning back kick to the body. Costa overcommitted on a strike and got dropped by a sharp left hook from Allen. Allen followed up with a takedown and controlled positions on the ground, but Costa stayed active with scrambles, back control attempts, and submission threats. Allen escaped danger, defended well, and ended the round stronger with heavy ground strikes and elbows.
Costa started the round more active, trying to answer Allen’s pressure with kicks and movement. Allen stayed composed, continuing to close distance and look for clean boxing exchanges. Midway through the round, Allen’s pressure began to tell as he controlled the range better and forced Costa into defensive positions. Costa had moments with counters and kicks, but Allen was the more consistent and effective striker overall. The round stayed competitive, but Allen’s forward pressure and cleaner work likely edged it again.
Allen opened round three with a sharp jab while Costa answered with long combinations and constant kicks. Costa had moments early, but Allen gradually began to take over with cleaner, heavier shots. Allen started walking Costa down, landing a strong 1-2 that nearly dropped him, followed by a big left hand that forced Costa to retreat. Allen kept applying pressure and continued landing power shots while Costa’s offence had less effect. Costa eventually shot for a takedown and ended up pulling guard, allowing Allen to gain top position. From there, Allen landed heavy ground-and-pound, including sharp elbows that opened Costa up. Costa attempted submissions and scrambles, but Allen stayed in control, floated through transitions, and kept landing strikes. Allen finished the round strongly, bleeding Costa and maintaining constant pressure as Costa struggled to get back to his feet.
Allen stayed on the front foot, continuing to apply pressure while Costa opened the round with his kicking game. Costa had success landing kicks early, but Allen walked through them and kept controlling the pace with his jab. Costa briefly found a big moment when he landed a clean right hand as Allen slipped, but Allen quickly regained control, pushing him back and re-establishing his jab and left hand. Allen then scored a takedown, moving into top position and controlling Costa in half guard before Costa managed to recover full guard and create a scramble back to his feet. The round became more back-and-forth, with Costa landing kicks and punches in bursts while Allen answered with a head kick and clean left hands. It was a competitive round, but Allen’s pressure, jab, and control moments likely gave him the edge.
The last round started and Allen came out aggressively, pressing forward with his jab and left hand, but Costa responded well early and managed to land a clean shot that forced Allen briefly backwards. Allen quickly changed tactics, clinching and scoring an outside trip after Costa attempted one of his own. From there, Allen maintained strong control along the fence, keeping a tight body lock and landing short punches while dragging Costa back down. He continued his perfect takedown record for the round, repeatedly putting Costa on the mat. Costa attempted submissions and sweeps, including a kimura setup and butterfly guard recovery, but Allen stayed heavy, smothered his movement, and prevented any real escape. As Costa tired, Allen advanced position, briefly taking the back and landing more ground strikes. In the closing seconds, Allen maintained control and finished the fight on top with steady ground-and-pound, sealing the round and the performance.
“I’ve been f*cked in the ass so many times with these decisions,” Allen started out saying, admitting he thought he might get the same again. He then shouts out Movsar Evloev for a rematch. He then says he’s trying to have a child, and cracks a joke before exiting.
With this victory in the UFC Vegas 117 main event, Allen not only secured a statement win but also reminded the division that he remains a serious force when he finds his rhythm.
