UFC Fight Night: Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa Preview & Prediction
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Fan-favourite featherweights collide in Houston as No.14-ranked Dan “50K” Ige faces surging Brazilian Melquizael Costa on the main card of UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez.
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa facts
What time are Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Toyota Center, Houston, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez main card
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
Geoff Neal vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)
Serghei Spivac vs Ante Delija (Heavyweight)
Jacobe Smith vs Josiah Harrell (Welterweight)
Zachary Reese vs Michel Pereira (Middleweight)
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez prelims
Chidi Njokuani vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Ode' Osbourne vs Alibi Idiris (Flyweight)
Alden Coria vs Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
Nora Cornolle vs Joselyne Edwards (Women’s Bantamweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano (Welterweight)
Philip Rowe vs Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (Welterweight)
Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle (Featherweight)
Juliana Miller vs Carli Judice (Women’s Flyweight)
Dan Ige: Battle-tested Hawaiian aiming to defend his ranking
Dan Ige (19-10-0) is a 34-year-old American featherweight from Hawaii who has spent years competing against the elite of the 145-pound division. Standing 5’7”, Ige has carved out a reputation as one of the toughest outs in the weight class, blending compact boxing, real knockout power and a capable grappling game. His best career win came against Edson Barboza in 2020, and he has consistently shared the Octagon with top-tier opposition throughout his UFC tenure including Diego Lopes, Lerone Murphy and The Korean Zombie.
Recent results have been mixed. Ige lost his last bout and is 1-3 in his previous four, though those setbacks came against high-level competition. Even in defeat, he has proven durable and competitive over three rounds. Ranked 14th in the division, Ige understands that this contest is pivotal in maintaining his place among the featherweight contenders.
Melquizael Costa: Active Brazilian riding a five-fight surge
Melquizael Costa (25-7-0) is a 29-year-old Brazilian featherweight who enters this bout on a five-fight winning streak. After an inconsistent start to his UFC career, Costa has put together an impressive run of victories, including a standout win over Julian Erosa and a knockout triumph over Morgan Charrière in the first round of his last outing. His confidence has grown with each appearance, and his activity level has been remarkable, fighting five times in the last 12 months.
Costa is a slick, range-based striker who makes excellent use of kicks and distance management. He also owns an underrated grappling game, with eight submission victories on his record. At his best, he overwhelms opponents with pace and variety, mixing body work, leg kicks and timely counters to build momentum across rounds.
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa prediction
This is a compelling stylistic matchup between a seasoned contender and a red-hot prospect. Costa’s kicking game and movement present clear problems, particularly against an opponent who can sometimes linger at range. However, Ige’s experience against top-level featherweights cannot be overstated. He has seen virtually every style the division has to offer and rarely looks out of his depth.
Costa’s recent run has been impressive, but this represents a significant step up in competition. Ige’s durability, power and ability to adjust mid-fight give him a strong platform to weather early pressure and capitalise as openings emerge. If the Hawaiian can close distance more consistently and force boxing exchanges, his heavier hands could prove decisive.
Prediction: Dan Ige to win
