Ali Akbar RosadyLas Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the Meta APEX this Saturday, May 16, 2026, for a pivotal UFC Fight Night event, headlined by a highly anticipated featherweight clash between the seventh-ranked Arnold "Almighty" Allen and the twelfth-ranked Melquizael Costa. The main card, featuring five compelling bouts, is scheduled to commence at approximately 8 p.m. ET, with live coverage available exclusively on Paramount+. This event carries significant implications for the competitive featherweight division, as both fighters aim to solidify their standing and push closer to title contention.
Arnold Allen, a 32-year-old Ipswich native, enters the Octagon looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Jean Silva at UFC 324 this past January. That defeat marked a challenging period for Allen, who had previously established himself as a formidable force in the division. Prior to his recent setbacks, Allen boasted one of the most impressive runs in UFC featherweight history, winning his first ten fights under the promotion’s banner from 2015 to 2022. This dominant streak positioned him as a consistent threat, earning him three "Performance of the Night" bonuses throughout his career. With an overall professional mixed martial arts record of 20 wins and 4 losses, Allen’s resume includes seven victories by knockout, four by submission, and nine by decision, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. His journey began in April 2012 with a knockout victory over Nathan Greyson at Ultimate Challenge MMA 27 in London, rapidly building a 9-1 record before joining the UFC. Having held the M4TC lightweight championship earlier in his career, Allen’s pedigree as a former champion underscores his capabilities. However, his recent form, which has seen him lose three of his last four bouts following his extensive win streak, places added pressure on this main event. A victory against a rising contender like Costa is imperative for Allen to regain momentum and demonstrate his continued relevance at the top of the division.
Across the Octagon, Melquizael "The Kraken" Costa, a 29-year-old Brazilian, arrives in Las Vegas on the back of a significant knockout victory over Da Ige at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez in February. Costa’s recent performance has underscored his potential as a dangerous contender in the featherweight ranks. With a professional record of 26 wins and 7 losses, Costa’s fighting style is characterized by both power and technical prowess, boasting nine knockout victories, eight submission finishes, and nine decision wins. His aggressive and opportunistic approach has earned him a "Performance of the Night" and a "Fight of the Night" bonus, including a memorable "Fight of the Year" contender against Dan Ige in 2025. Costa’s grappling acumen is particularly noteworthy, as he has secured two submission victories in the UFC featherweight division, a statistical achievement that places him alongside several other fighters in this specific category. Furthermore, Costa is currently riding an impressive seven-fight win streak, which ranks among the notable active runs in the UFC featherweight division, signaling his potent form and upward trajectory. A former Predator FC featherweight champion, Costa brings a championship mentality and a wealth of experience into this high-stakes encounter.
As the main event draws closer, the betting lines at DraftKings Sportsbook indicate a closely contested affair. Arnold Allen is currently listed as the -130 favorite, meaning a bettor would need to risk $130 to win $100. Melquizael Costa, meanwhile, is positioned as the underdog at +110, offering a $110 return on a $100 wager. These odds reflect the competitive nature of the matchup, with Allen’s established ranking and experience slightly favored, while Costa’s recent knockout power and win streak make him an attractive prospect for those seeking value.
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For those looking to gain an edge in their wagers, SportsLine’s elite MMA expert, Kyle Marley, has meticulously analyzed the UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa card. Marley’s track record in MMA betting is well-documented, with $100 bettors who have followed his picks reportedly up nearly $10,000 over the past three years and over $21,000 since May 2018. His expertise is highlighted by a remarkable streak of hitting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, cementing his reputation as a consistent provider of successful betting advice for SportsLine members.
Beyond the headliner, Marley has also offered his insights on various undercard matchups. One specific prediction from Marley involves the women’s strawweight bout between Nicolle Caliari (-265) and Shauna Bannon (+215). Marley is backing Caliari to secure a victory via unanimous decision. His analysis posits that while Bannon might possess superior striking at range, Caliari’s wrestling and grappling advantage will be the decisive factor. "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," Marley stated, outlining his rationale for the pick.
The full main card for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, with odds from DraftKings Sportsbook (subject to change), includes several other compelling matchups:
- Arnold Allen (-130) vs. Melquizael Costa (+110) (Featherweight Main Event)
- Doo Ho Choi (+140) vs. Daniel Santos (-160) (Bantamweight)
- Malcolm Wellmaker (-225) vs. Juan Diaz (+185) (Lightweight)
- Modestas Bukauskas (-310) vs. Christian Edwards (+250) (Light Heavyweight)
- Timmy Cuamba (+105) vs. Benardo Sopaj (-125) (Bantamweight)
- Khaos Williams (-122) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+102) (Welterweight)
Marley has also provided strong picks for the Allen vs. Costa main event and additional preliminary bouts on the card. He has identified another fighter whom he considers "the better overall athlete" and expects to emerge with a significant victory. These additional predictions and detailed analyses are available exclusively to SportsLine subscribers, offering comprehensive guidance for navigating the UFC Fight Night betting landscape.
Paramount+ serves as the exclusive platform for streaming every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night live, at no additional cost beyond the subscription. The service also provides access to a wide array of other sports content, including UEFA Champions League, college basketball, NFL, and Big Ten on CBS, alongside an extensive library of movies and shows. Plans for Paramount+ begin at $8.99 per month. New users interested in sports betting can also review the latest offers and promotions from DraftKings and Kalshi via CBS Sports’ dedicated promo code pages.
The UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa event promises to deliver a night of high-stakes action, with critical implications for the featherweight division. As two ranked contenders vie for supremacy, the insights from seasoned experts like Kyle Marley will be invaluable for enthusiasts and bettors alike.
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