UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa Main Event Features Pivotal Featherweight Clash in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – May 16, 2026 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Meta APEX facility this Saturday for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, headlining a card featuring a high-stakes featherweight encounter between the seventh-ranked Arnold "Almighty" Allen and the twelfth-ranked Melquizael "The Kraken" Costa. The five-bout main card is scheduled to commence at approximately 8 p.m. ET, available for live streaming on Paramount+.

The main event presents a critical juncture for both combatants in the fiercely competitive featherweight division. Arnold Allen, a 32-year-old British contender, enters the octagon aiming to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Jean Silva at UFC 324 in January of this year. Prior to that defeat, Allen had established himself as a formidable force, boasting a remarkable 10-fight winning streak within the UFC, a run that spanned from 2015 to 2022 and ranked as the third-longest in the division’s history. His professional record stands at 20 wins and 4 losses, with a balanced distribution of finishes: seven victories by knockout, four by submission, and nine by decision. Allen’s career began with a dominant knockout win over Nathan Greyson at Ultimate Challenge MMA 27 in London in April 2012, and he previously held the M4TC lightweight championship. Known for his crisp striking, defensive acumen, and calculated pressure, Allen has also earned three Performance of the Night bonuses during his UFC tenure, underscoring his capability to deliver memorable performances.

Facing him is the aggressive 29-year-old Brazilian, Melquizael Costa, who rides a wave of momentum following a decisive knockout victory over Da Ige at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez last February. Costa’s professional ledger is an impressive 26 wins against 7 losses, showcasing a well-rounded skill set with nine knockouts, eight submissions, and nine decisions. A former Predator FC featherweight champion, Costa has proven his mettle in high-intensity bouts, notably earning the fifth-ranked Fight of the Year honor in 2025 for his war against Dan Ige. His UFC career has also seen him collect both a Performance of the Night and a Fight of the Night award. Costa’s grappling prowess is particularly noteworthy, as he is tied with nine other fighters for the most submission victories in UFC featherweight history with two. Furthermore, his seven-fight win streak places him tied for the sixth-longest in the division’s history, highlighting his consistent upward trajectory.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Arnold Allen is listed as the -130 favorite for the main event, meaning a $130 wager would return $100 profit if Allen secures the win. Melquizael Costa, meanwhile, is positioned as the +110 underdog. These odds reflect a closely matched contest, with oddsmakers anticipating a competitive clash between two top-tier featherweights.

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For those seeking informed betting insights, SportsLine’s seasoned MMA analyst, Kyle Marley, has released his comprehensive predictions and betting advice for the entire UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa card. Marley has established a strong track record over the past several years, with $100 bettors who have followed his picks accumulating nearly $10,000 in profits over the last three-plus years. Since May 2018, his total returns for SportsLine members have exceeded $21,000. His notable accomplishments include correctly predicting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s pandemic-induced hiatus, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify value in the betting market. His detailed analysis for Allen vs. Costa and other matchups is available exclusively through SportsLine.

The event, broadcast live from the Meta APEX, is accessible to subscribers of Paramount+. The streaming service provides exclusive access to all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights live, alongside a broad spectrum of other sports content including UEFA Champions League, college basketball, the NFL, and Big Ten on CBS, in addition to an extensive library of movies and shows. Subscription plans for Paramount+ commence at $8.99 per month.

Beyond the headlining act, the main card features several other compelling matchups that Kyle Marley has thoroughly analyzed. In a women’s strawweight bout, Nicolle Caliari (-265) is set to face Shauna Bannon (+215). Marley has publicly backed Caliari to win via unanimous decision. "Bannon should be the better striker at range here, but Caliari should have the wrestling/grappling edge," Marley stated in his analysis. "I do think Caliari will land a couple of takedowns in this matchup, and I’ll take her to keep enough control time to win two rounds and get her hand raised." This pick highlights Marley’s focus on grappling advantage as a key determinant in strawweight contests.

Further down the card, the main event is supported by a robust lineup of fights with significant implications for their respective divisions:

• Doo Ho Choi (+140) vs. Daniel Santos (-160): This bantamweight clash pits the veteran South Korean striker, "The Korean Superboy" Choi, known for his explosive power, against the aggressive Brazilian, Santos. Santos, often lauded for his relentless pace and heavy hands, enters as the slight favorite. The matchup promises a high-octane affair, likely contested primarily on the feet.
• Malcolm Wellmaker (-225) vs. Juan Diaz (+185): In a lightweight contest, Wellmaker, favored by the oddsmakers, will look to leverage his physical advantages and well-rounded game against Diaz. Diaz, an underdog, is expected to bring a gritty performance, seeking to upset the odds with his determination and perhaps a submission threat.
• Modestas Bukauskas (-310) vs. Christian Edwards (+250): The light heavyweight division will see the heavily favored Modestas Bukauskas, a striking specialist with power, take on Christian Edwards. Edwards, coming in as a significant underdog, will aim to counter Bukauskas’s offensive output, possibly by utilizing his wrestling or exploiting any openings.
• Timmy Cuamba (+105) vs. Benardo Sopaj (-125): This featherweight bout offers a close matchup on paper, with Sopaj holding a marginal favorite status. Cuamba will aim to prove his capabilities against the slightly favored Sopaj, with both fighters likely to showcase a mix of striking and grappling in a bid to climb the divisional ranks.
• Khaos Williams (-122) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+102): The welterweight division will feature a striking battle between Khaos Williams, known for his devastating knockout power, and Nikolay Veretennikov. The near even odds reflect the potential for a back-and-forth contest, with both fighters possessing the tools to finish the fight. Williams’s "Khaos" style typically leads to exciting exchanges, while Veretennikov offers a more measured but equally dangerous approach.

Marley has also identified a specific fighter on the card who he believes is "the better overall athlete" and is poised to secure a significant victory. His full analysis, including detailed breakdowns and specific betting recommendations for Allen vs. Costa and all other bouts, is available to SportsLine subscribers. Those interested in leveraging Marley’s expertise for their UFC betting strategies can access his complete insights by visiting SportsLine.

The UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa card promises an evening of intense mixed martial arts action, with implications across multiple divisions and the potential for significant shifts in the featherweight rankings.

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