Exciting UFC Featherweight contenders will collide in “H-Town.”
According to a first report from MMAFighting, surging 145-pound striker Melquizael Costa will return to action versus hard-nosed veteran Dan
Ige. The duo will throw down at UFC Houston, which is scheduled for Feb. 21 inside the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Costa was quietly one of 2025’s best fighters despite starting the year with an uninspired 2-2 UFC record. Immediately, he started strong with a quick submission over Andre Fili, then he picked up two more victories in excellent scraps over Christian Rodriguez and Julian Erosa. Finally, he closed the year strong with a dramatic high kick KO over Morgan Charriere (watch here).
The Ige matchup will be the 29-year-old Brazilian’s fifth fight in 12 months.
Speaking of “50k,” the Hawaiian is one of the most experienced Featherweights in the rankings, having faced a who’s who of contenders both past and present. Currently standing at No. 14 in the world, Ige split his pair of 2025 bouts, knocking out a tricky prospect in Sean Woodson but coming up short to former Bellator kingpin Patricio Pitbull.
Really, this is a perfect bit of 145-pound matchmaking. Costa has earned his opportunity against a ranked opponent, and Ige has proven more than capable in separating the wheat from the chaff as a perfect guard to the highest echelon of Featherweight competition.
Who takes home the victory?
