Featherweights are set to collide in the UFC’s return to the Lone Star State.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that the UFC is close to finalizing a matchup
between Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa for UFC Houston. The event takes place Feb. 21 at the Toyota Center, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
Ige went 1-1 during his 2025 campaign, but enters his first bout of 2026 looking to bounce back from a decision loss to former Bellator champ Patricio Pitbull at UFC 318 in July. “50K” has dropped three of four, including decision losses to Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy, but also earned a stoppage win over Sean Woodson at UFC 314 this past April.
Costa had a breakout year in 2025, winning all four of his octagon appearances. The 29-year-old capped off an incredible year with a brutal, 74-second head kick knockout of Morgan Charriere at UFC Vegas 112 in December.
UFC Houston is headlined by a middleweight bout between former middleweight champ Sean Strickland taking on surging contender Anthony Hernandez.
Guilherme Cruz contributed to this report.
