UFC Fight Night odds, lines, predictions, time: Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa picks by elite MMA expert

Las Vegas, NV – The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Meta APEX facility this Saturday, May 16, 2026, for a pivotal UFC Fight Night event, headlined by a compelling featherweight clash between the division’s seventh-ranked contender, Arnold "Almighty" Allen, and the surging 12th-ranked Melquizael "Melk" Costa. The five-bout main card is slated to commence at approximately 8 p.m. ET, with exclusive live streaming available on Paramount+.

The main event features two athletes with distinct recent trajectories aiming to solidify their positions in the competitive featherweight division. Arnold Allen, a veteran with a formidable record, enters the octagon looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Jean Silva at UFC 324 in January. His opponent, Melquizael Costa, arrives with significant momentum, having secured a decisive knockout victory over Da Ige at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez in February. This matchup holds considerable implications for the rankings, with both fighters eager to advance their claims for a shot at the division’s elite.

As fight night approaches, betting lines have positioned Arnold Allen as the slight favorite at -130 (requiring a $130 wager to win $100) according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Melquizael Costa, despite his recent success, enters as the +110 underdog. Prospective bettors are advised to consult expert analysis before placing wagers, with SportsLine’s seasoned MMA analyst, Kyle Marley, offering comprehensive predictions and betting advice for the entire card.

Paramount+ serves as the exclusive platform for streaming all UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights live, offering subscribers unparalleled access to the sport at no additional cost beyond the standard subscription fee. Beyond the Octagon, a Paramount+ subscription, starting at $8.99 per month, provides access to a wide array of sports content, including UEFA Champions League matches, NCAA college basketball, NFL, and Big Ten action on CBS, alongside an extensive library of movies and television series. New users can explore current offers and sign up directly through the service. Additionally, DraftKings provides various promotional offers for new users, details of which can be found in their latest promo code review.

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Kyle Marley, a prominent figure in MMA betting analysis, has established a remarkable track record, consistently delivering profitable insights to SportsLine members. Over the past three and a half years, $100 bettors who have followed Marley’s selections have seen cumulative returns approaching $10,000. Since May 2018, his advice has generated well over $21,000 in winnings. His expertise is underscored by notable achievements, including correctly predicting five consecutive main-event underdog victories in 2020, following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to global events. Marley’s consistent success has made his UFC betting picks a valuable resource for serious bettors. Having meticulously analyzed the Allen vs. Costa bout from every conceivable angle, Marley has now disclosed his top betting picks and best bets, which are accessible exclusively through SportsLine.

Fighter Profile: Arnold Allen

Arnold "Almighty" Allen, 32, hails from Suffolk, England, and brings a professional record of 20 wins and 4 losses into Saturday’s main event. A highly decorated featherweight, Allen has been a recipient of the coveted "Performance of the Night" bonus on three separate occasions, a testament to his exciting and effective fighting style. His career trajectory within the UFC has been marked by a period of exceptional dominance, where he achieved the third-longest win streak in the history of the UFC featherweight division, spanning from 2015 to 2022. During this remarkable run, Allen secured 10 consecutive victories against a progressively challenging roster of opponents, establishing himself as a legitimate threat in the division.

Allen initiated his professional MMA journey in April 2012, making an immediate impact with a knockout victory over Nathan Greyson at Ultimate Challenge MMA 27 in London. Prior to joining the UFC ranks in 2015, he amassed an impressive 9-1 record. While his early UFC career saw him ascend rapidly, his more recent performances have presented a different narrative, with Allen having lost three of his last four bouts after his initial undefeated streak within the promotion. Despite this recent dip, his extensive experience and proven ability remain undeniable. Allen’s career victories are diverse, comprising seven knockouts, four submissions, and nine decisions, showcasing his well-rounded skillset. He is also a former M4TC lightweight champion, adding to his credentials.

Fighter Profile: Melquizael Costa

Melquizael "Melk" Costa, 29, representing Brazil, enters this high-stakes contest with a professional record of 26 wins and 7 losses. A former Predator FC featherweight champion, Costa has demonstrated a formidable presence throughout his career, marked by a penchant for exciting finishes. His 2025 bout against Dan Ige was notably recognized as the fifth-ranked "Fight of the Year," highlighting his capacity for engaging and high-octane performances. Like Allen, Costa has also been honored with "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" bonuses once each, underscoring his dynamic approach to fighting.

Costa’s finishing prowess is evident in his career statistics: nine victories by knockout, eight by submission, and nine by decision. Within the UFC featherweight division, he holds a significant distinction, being tied with nine other fighters for the most submission wins, with two. Furthermore, his impressive run includes a seven-fight win streak, placing him among three other fighters for the sixth-longest win streak in UFC featherweight history. This recent surge of form, culminating in a decisive knockout win in his last outing, positions Costa as a dangerous opponent for Allen, capable of disrupting the established pecking order.

UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa Predictions from Kyle Marley

Among Kyle Marley’s disclosed picks for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, he has confidently endorsed Nicolle Caliari (-265) to secure a victory via unanimous decision against Shauna Bannon (+215) in a women’s strawweight preliminary bout. Marley’s rationale for this prediction centers on Caliari’s perceived grappling and wrestling superiority. "Bannon should be the better striker at range here, but Caliari should have the wrestling/grappling edge," Marley stated. He further elaborated, "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."

Beyond this specific preliminary bout, Marley has also formulated robust predictions for the main event between Allen and Costa, as well as other significant matchups on the card. He has signaled his support for a fighter whom he identifies as "the better overall athlete" to emerge victorious in another key bout, indicating a potential upset or a strong performance from a physically gifted competitor. These detailed analyses and additional selections are available exclusively to SportsLine subscribers.

For those seeking to make informed betting decisions for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, access to Marley’s comprehensive picks and analysis is crucial. His proven track record and in-depth understanding of the sport provide valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of MMA betting.

UFC Fight Night Main Card, Odds (via DraftKings, subject to change):

  • Arnold Allen (-130) vs. Melquizael Costa (+110)
  • Doo Ho Choi (+140) vs. Daniel Santos (-160)
  • Malcolm Wellmaker (-225) vs. Juan Diaz (+185)
  • Modestas Bukauskas (-310) vs. Christian Edwards (+250)
  • Timmy Cuamba (+105) vs. Benardo Sopaj (-125)
  • Khaos Williams (-122) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+102)

To delve deeper into who Marley predicts will win the main event, precisely how each fight might conclude, and to gain access to all of his expert insights and analysis, individuals are directed to SportsLine. Marley’s unparalleled expertise, evidenced by his consistent track record of over $21,000 in UFC picks since May 19, 2018, offers a significant advantage for bettors.

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