EXCLUSIVE: Melk Costa explains 'luck' behind knockout of Dan Ige at UFC Houston

Melk defeated Ige in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Melk Costa had a bit of 'luck' to achieve a lucrative knockout at UFC Houston, held last Saturday (21). The Brazilian knocked out Dan Ige with a spinning kick that earned him the 'Performance of the Night' bonus , worth US$100 (approximately R$500 at the current exchange rate), in addition to securing a place in the top 15 of the category. Although the triumph was the result of a lot of training, the Dalmatian admits a small detail that enhanced the outcome.

In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, 'Dalmata' explained that the kick came almost automatically after exhaustive repetition in training. According to Melk, he usually throws the kick at the waistline, aiming for the stomach or chest of his training partners. However, since his coach is taller, the same angle was reproduced during the fight. With Dan Ige lowering his level even further at the moment of the action, the kick ended up landing squarely on his opponent's face.

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“Man, that’s exactly what happened. I do that kick all the time, I do it really well, but I was expecting him to come. I always throw it at waist level, right in the stomach, you know? In the chest. But since he’s shorter, and my coach is tall, 1,86m, it’s the same angle I was throwing it at my coach’s stomach. So it became automatic for my body. But he already lowered himself, so it landed perfectly (on his face),” explained Dalmatian.

Although he didn't actually knock his opponent out, Melk also revealed that he felt the impact of the blow immediately, highlighting the Hawaiian's resilience. Even so, Melk stated that the pain caused was decisive in stopping the fight.

"Man, that hurt, dude. I don't know if it was his nose, but I know he was in a lot of pain, he just stopped, because he's a really tough, very resilient guy. So to stop like that, the impact must have been really strong. He was a little dizzy, but the pain was even stronger," concluded Melk Costa.

Watch the knockout of Dan Ige at UFC Houston.

Melk Costa is a real beast! You have to respect him, he was the first to knock out the tough Dan Ige ! The man has climbed the rankings, huh! #UFCHouston pic.twitter.com/ott1kWL1ie

— Luiz Brownie (@luiz_ff92) February 22, 2026

Melk Costa makes his UFC ranking debut.

With his victory over Dan Ige , Melk reached six consecutive wins in the UFC and secured the 14th spot in the featherweight rankings (up to 65,7 kg).

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