Veteran featherweight Dan Ige met surging Brazilian contender Melquizael Costa in a pivotal clash at UFC Houston on Saturday night.
Ige (19-10) entered the bout following a tough decision loss to Patricio Pitbull at UFC 318 last year. The longtime fan favorite has faced a who’s who of the division, but that level of competition has contributed to an inconsistent run in the UFC.
Costa (25–7) entered the fight riding a five-fight win streak, including three finishes. A victory over the #14 ranked Ige could very well have earned the Brazilian a spot in the rankings as soon as next week.
Going into round one, Ige wasted no time, quickly finding the body lock in the opening minute and securing a takedown. Although it didn’t last long, they returned to the feet and right back into the clinch, where Costa was able to land sharp knees.
Returning to the middle of the Octagon, it was clear that Costa was finding his kicking range in devastating fashion, growing more confident with each strike he threw. Ige, a bit hesitant as he tried to work his way into boxing range, caught a nasty front kick to the chin from Costa, and in that moment you could see ‘The Dalmatian’s’ confidence rise.
Ige was still very much in the fight, applying pressure and doing his best to back Costa up against the cage. Before long, Costa landed a precise, beautifully placed spinning back kick to the chin of Dan Ige, becoming the first fighter to ever finish the #14 ranked featherweight.
Costa made sure to give Ige the flowers he deserves, referring to him as a “legend” of the game. Costa leaves UFC Houston on a six-fight winning streak, and you can surely expect to see him in the rankings by Monday morning.
Official Result: Melquizael Costa def. Dan Ige via R1 TKO, 4:50
