Melk Costa saw the chance to get closer to a title fight slip away before his eyes. The Brazilian faced Arnold Allen in the main event of UFC Vegas 117 , held last Saturday (16), and although he showed resistance, he ended up being defeated by the judges' decision after a dominant performance by his rival in the striking.
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The defeat ends Melk's good run, which included six consecutive wins in the organization. On the other hand, Allen returns to winning ways and now has two wins in his last four fights.
Arnold Allen closes the distance with his kicks and dominates Melk Costa at UFC Vegas 117.
Melquizael Costa is a prominent Brazilian fighter in the UFC. Photo: UFC
Melk Costa started the fight by ceding the center of the octagon to Arnold Allen . The Briton constantly advanced and, with both fighters in a southpaw stance, relied on kicks to the inside of the thigh.
In a moment of carelessness, Allen landed a powerful right hand on the Brazilian's chin, knocking him down. He then went on the attack, but Melk responded with a guillotine choke attempt. The two continued to exchange positions on the ground until the Brazilian managed to get on top and even took his opponent's back.
In the second round, the fighters maintained their strategy of low kicks. The taller Melk tried to control the distance with jabs and front kicks, but Allen proved faster, connecting with strikes without being clearly hit himself.
In the third round, Melk came back more aggressively, working combinations of kicks and punches. Even so, Allen began to pressure him, pushing the Brazilian back until he landed a strong left hand that rocked him. Following that, he cornered Melk against the cage and continued connecting with straight punches, dodging counter-attacks. The Brazilian still attempted a takedown, but ended up on the bottom, being punished with ground and pound.
The fourth round began with a change of posture from Melk, who moved forward looking for a more direct exchange of blows. However, Allen, quicker, landed another left straight that rocked the Brazilian, followed by a takedown. From the bottom, Melk still attempted a knee lock, but couldn't lock it in, and the fight returned to standing.
In the final round, the Brazilian went all-in and even managed to stun Allen in the opening seconds. Encouraged, he pressed forward looking for the knockout, but ended up being taken down. Aware of his lead on points, the Briton controlled Melk on the ground until the final bell.
Check out the results of UFC Vegas 117
MAIN CARD – Starting at 21 PM (Brasilia time)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Arnold Allen defeated Melk Costa by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Dooho Choi defeated Daniel Willycat by knockout (punch to the waistline) at 4:29 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Juan Diaz defeated Malcolm Wellmaker by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:08 of round 2.
Catchweight (up to 97,5 kg): Modestas Bukauskas defeated Christian Edwards by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bernardo Sopaj defeated Timmy Cuamba by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:25 of round 2.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Khaos Williams defeated Nikolay Veretennikov by knockout (punch) at 2:31 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD – Starting at 18 PM (Brasilia time)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Ivan Erslan defeated Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Thomas Gantt defeated Artur Minev by knockout (punches) at 2:51 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ketlen Vieira defeated Jacqueline Cavalcanti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Cody Brundage defeated Andre Petroski by knockout (punches) at 0:44 of round 2.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Alice Ardelean defeated Polyana Viana by submission (knee lock) at 4:30 of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Luis Gurule defeated Daniel Barez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Nicolle Caliari defeated Shauna Bannon by submission (katagatame) at 3:8 of round 3.
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