In terms of age and high-level experience, 34-year old Andre Fili was the obvious “old lion,” or simply veteran fighter, in his featherweight match-up at UFC Seattle opposite Melquizael Costa.
The 28-year old Costa, however, was nearing 30 pro fights himself, and both fighters were coming off wins in their last outing that they no doubt hoped to convert to a modest win streak.
Both men came out aggressive, meeting in the center of the octagon. Near the three minute mark, Fili landed a glancing head kick that narrowly missed its target. Costa began to circle away on the outside throwing kicks to the legs and body of Fili. A well timed takedown by Fili saw him end up on top, but Costa slipped an arm around his neck and secured a guillotine choke.
Struggling to get to his feet from half guard, Fili felt immense pressure on his neck and was forced to tap from the submission. That made it back-to-back submission wins for the young prospect Melquizael Costa, who has shown his talent and potential for the future. Fili looked distraught following the loss and was fighting very competitively before getting finished.
Costa said that it was an honor to fight Andre Fili; he said as a child he watched Fili fight former featherweight champion Max Holloway and had tremendous respect for him. This was by far the biggest win of Costa’s career, UFC or otherwise.
Official Result: Melquizael Costa def. Andre Fili by submission (guillotine choke), Round 1, 4:30
