A clash of featherweight contenders is set to headline the Meta Apex this spring, as Arnold Allen returns to action against rising Brazilian Melquizael Costa at UFC Vegas 117 on May 16.

UFC CEO Dana White announced it on YouTube and social media while in studio with Brendan Fitzgerald and Michael Bisping.

Allen (20-4) has hit a rough patch in recent outings, going 2–3 over his last five fights. He most recently suffered a decision loss to Jean Silva at UFC 324 in January. Once viewed as a rising contender in the featherweight division, Allen now looks to regain the momentum he once had against one of the roster’s most dangerous fighters.

Costa (26–7) enters the matchup on a six-fight win streak, with four of those victories coming by finish. During that run, he’s picked up notable wins over Christian Rodriguez, Julian Erosa, Morgan Charriere, and most recently Dan Ige, a performance that also earned him a bonus.

Allen and Costa will headline the event, with a bantamweight bout between Ketlen Vieira and Jacqueline Cavalcanti the only other fight the promotion has announced so far. Additional bouts for the card are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks as the event continues to take shape.

UFC Vegas 117 takes place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, NV on May 16 and broadcast on Paramount+.

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Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa Official For UFC Vegas 117 On May 16