Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, NV – A significant alteration to the fight card for UFC Vegas 118 has been confirmed, with Alessandro Costa stepping in on short notice to replace Imanol Rodriguez against veteran flyweight Matt Schnell. The bout, set to take place at the UFC Apex on June 6, will now be contested at a catchweight of 130 pounds, adding an additional layer of complexity to the already high-stakes encounter. The reasons behind Rodriguez’s withdrawal from the event, just nine days out, remain undisclosed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at the time of this report, leaving both fighters and fans adjusting to the unexpected shift.
Late opponent changes are a recurring challenge in the demanding sport of mixed martial arts, often forcing fighters to adapt their meticulously planned training camps and strategies in a compressed timeframe. For Matt Schnell, this marks a second instance where an opponent change has directly impacted his preparation for a scheduled fight. Notably, Costa and Schnell were initially slated to face each other in September 2024. However, that booking was scuttled when the Brazilian fighter was forced to withdraw from the card just days prior to the event. Cody Durden ultimately stepped in as a replacement for Costa, subsequently defeating Schnell via submission. This history adds an intriguing narrative to the rescheduled clash between Schnell and Costa, creating a sense of unfinished business for both competitors.
Matt "Danger" Schnell (17-10, 1 NC), a seasoned competitor in the UFC’s flyweight division, enters this contest seeking to reverse a challenging period in his professional career. The 34-year-old Louisiana native, known for his aggressive striking and submission grappling, has faced a difficult run of form, securing only three victories in his last ten Octagon appearances. His most recent outing in November 2025 saw him fall to Joseph Morales, a result that underscored the urgency for a decisive win to regain momentum and solidify his standing within the highly competitive flyweight ranks. Schnell made his UFC debut in December 2016 after a stint on The Ultimate Fighter 24, where he reached the semi-finals. Over the years, he has established a reputation for engaging fights and a willingness to stand and trade, coupled with a dangerous ground game that has earned him several submission victories. However, the recent string of losses has put significant pressure on him to perform. A victory against a surging opponent like Costa would not only provide a much-needed boost to his record but also offer psychological relief after a period of mixed results. The unexpected opponent change, particularly to a fighter he was previously scheduled to face, could be either a distraction or a source of renewed focus for Schnell, who will need to quickly adjust his game plan for Costa’s distinct style.
On the opposing side, Alessandro "Nono" Costa (15-5) arrives at UFC Vegas 118 with considerable momentum, eager to capitalize on this short-notice opportunity. The 28-year-old Brazilian, a product of the Contender Series, has quickly made an impression in the UFC since his debut in December 2022. Costa’s record within the promotion stands at 3-3, a seemingly even split that belies the impact of his victories. A defining characteristic of Costa’s UFC tenure has been his ability to secure performance bonuses with each of his three wins. His most recent triumph came in April, where he delivered a spectacular second-round knockout of Stewart Nicoll, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus check. This victory highlighted Costa’s aggressive striking prowess and finishing ability, marking him as a dangerous and exciting prospect in the flyweight division. Prior to his impressive knockout over Nicoll, Costa secured a split decision victory over Melsik Baghdasaryan in August 2025 and a first-round submission over Daniel Barez in April 2025, both performances showcasing his versatility and hunger for finishes. His three losses in the UFC have come against formidable opponents, providing him with valuable experience against top-tier competition. For Costa, stepping into this fight on short notice against a veteran like Schnell presents a prime opportunity to elevate his profile further and potentially climb the divisional rankings. His recent form suggests he is in peak condition and ready to seize the moment, regardless of the compressed preparation time. The chance to face Schnell again, after their initial booking fell through, adds a layer of personal motivation for Costa to demonstrate his capabilities.
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The catchweight stipulation of 130 pounds for this bout, five pounds above the traditional flyweight limit, suggests a pragmatic adjustment to accommodate the late change, particularly for Costa, who is stepping in without a full training camp specifically geared towards a 125-pound cut. While both fighters are accustomed to the flyweight division, the slight increase in weight might offer a marginal comfort to both, allowing them to focus more on performance than on the rigors of a strict weight cut. Tactically, the fight promises to be an engaging clash of styles. Schnell, with his experience and well-rounded game, will likely look to exploit any openings, whether through his boxing or his opportunistic submission attempts. Costa, known for his power and aggressive forward pressure, will aim to impose his will early, seeking another bonus-winning finish. The narrative of a previously canceled bout and the high stakes for both fighters – Schnell fighting to halt a negative trend and Costa aiming to continue his upward trajectory – sets the stage for a compelling contest.
UFC Vegas 118 is headlined by a pivotal welterweight showdown featuring former champion Belal Muhammad and the undefeated Brazilian prospect Gabriel Bonfim. This event is expected to draw significant viewership, with the Schnell vs. Costa bout now positioned as a critical feature on the undercard, offering an unpredictable and potentially explosive addition to the night’s proceedings at the Meta APEX.
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